Hyderabad: Labour, Employment, Mines and Geology Minister Dr Gaddam Vivek Venkatswamy on Tuesday defended the Sigachi accident response and said the Telangana government acted swiftly after the industrial accident at Pashamylaram. He rejected allegations made by former minister T. Harish Rao and described the criticism as politically motivated.
Speaking at the Press Club in Godavarikhani, Peddapalli district, the minister said the accident, which claimed the lives of 54 workers, was a tragic incident. However, he said the government immediately launched relief efforts and extended support to the injured and the victims’ families.
He said Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy personally visited the hospital to meet the injured workers. Moreover, the Chief Minister directed officials to ensure the best possible medical treatment and all necessary assistance.
Sigachi accident response focused on compensation and justice
Vivek Venkatswamy said the government repeatedly summoned the Sigachi management and insisted that the company pay compensation to the affected families. Consequently, the families of the deceased workers received nearly ₹50 lakh each as compensation.
The minister also said the government initiated legal proceedings against those responsible for the accident. Authorities registered criminal cases, arrested the company’s Chairman and Managing Director, and the Inspector of Factories carried out an inspection before beginning action against the management.
Furthermore, he said the Telangana government informed the High Court that it remained committed to delivering complete justice to every victim. He added that the government would continue to press the company until all promised compensation reached every affected family.
The minister reiterated that the government had fulfilled all legal responsibilities following the accident. He also assured that the Congress government would continue supporting the affected workers and their families until justice was fully delivered.
