Police have registered an FIR against several individuals, including Anil Agarwal, chairman of Vedanta Group, in connection with the deadly power plant blast in Chhattisgarh that has now claimed 21 lives.
FIR and charges
According to officials, eight to ten people—including plant head Devendra Patel—have been named in the FIR. The case has been filed under sections related to causing death by negligence and negligent handling of machinery.
Superintendent of Police Prafull Thakur confirmed that the investigation is ongoing and accountability is being established.
Cause of the explosion
Preliminary findings from technical experts and the Forensic Science Laboratory indicate that the blast was caused by excessive fuel accumulation inside the boiler furnace, which led to a dangerous pressure build-up and eventual explosion.
The incident occurred on April 14 at a power plant in Singhitarai village, where a steel tube carrying high-pressure steam from the boiler to the turbine ruptured.
Rising death toll
The number of fatalities has risen to 21 after another injured worker succumbed in a Raipur hospital.
Officials detailed the casualties:
- 4 workers died on the spot
- 9 died shortly after the incident
- 7 more succumbed in hospitals the following day
- 1 additional death was reported later
The victims include labourers from multiple states, including West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Madhya Pradesh.
Ongoing investigation
Authorities are continuing to probe the circumstances leading to the blast, focusing on safety protocols, maintenance practices, and operational lapses.
The case has drawn attention to industrial safety standards, with further legal and regulatory action expected as the investigation progresses.
