SANGAREDDY: A year after the Sigachi Industries explosion at Pashamylaram killed 54 workers and left more than 20 with life-altering injuries, many bereaved families and survivors say they are still waiting for the compensation promised by the state government.
While they continue to seek relief, the company has paid only part of the compensation, according to the victims’ families. The issue has also triggered a political confrontation between the ruling Congress and the opposition BRS.
Following the June 30, 2025 tragedy, Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy announced an ex gratia of Rs 1 crore for the family of each deceased worker and Rs 10 lakh for those who sustained serious injuries, besides assuring free medical treatment for the injured.
However, the victims’ families said Sigachi Industries has so far paid between Rs 25 lakh and Rs 50 lakh to the families of those who died. Some families alleged that the company informed them the amount included Provident Fund (PF) and Employees’ State Insurance (ESI) benefits, which they argued should not be counted as part of the compensation announced after the tragedy.
A senior Telangana Pollution Control Board official said the company had informed the court that it had paid up to Rs 37 lakh to each deceased worker’s family and that the remaining amount was to be paid by the government.
For many survivors, the struggle has extended beyond the day of the explosion.
Rajesh Kumar Choudhary, who suffered severe injuries to both legs, said he has been confined to a wheelchair since the accident. “I cannot walk anymore. Despite my condition, the government has not released the full compensation promised to us,” he said.
Sushma, whose hands were severely burnt in the explosion, said she has been unable to work. “I have been visiting government offices with my burnt hands, seeking help, but there has been no response,” she said.
Hemalatha, who lost her husband in the disaster, questioned how she was expected to raise her children after receiving only a part of the promised compensation.
“My husband died while earning a living for the company. We were promised Rs 1 crore, but I have received only about Rs 25 lakh. How am I supposed to educate my children and rebuild our lives?” she asked.
As the victims renewed their demand for the promised compensation on the first anniversary of the tragedy, Labour Minister G Vivek Venkatswamy rejected BRS leader T Harish Rao’s allegations that the government had failed to provide adequate relief, describing the criticism as politically motivated.
Vivek said the government had ensured the injured received the best possible treatment, pressed the Sigachi management to pay nearly Rs 50 lakh to each bereaved family, registered criminal cases against the company and arrested its chairman and managing director.
“We will not let Sigachi off the hook until every bereaved family receives the full compensation promised,” he said.
In a press release, Harish alleged that although the government had announced Rs 1 crore for the family of each deceased worker, it had paid only Rs 1 lakh. He also claimed that PF, ESI and insurance benefits were being counted towards the compensation package and demanded that the properties of Sigachi’s directors be attached under the Revenue Recovery Act to ensure payment of the promised compensation.
Many victims said that even after a year, the memories of the explosion continue to haunt them, while the wait for the promised compensation goes on.