Vedanta chairman Anil Agarwal named in FIR after blast at power plant killed 20
A magisterial inquiry has been ordered into the incident, said Sakti Collector Amrit Vikas Topno, adding that the best possible treatment would be provided to those injured.
Police in Chhattisgarh’s Sakti district on Thursday filed an FIR, naming Vedanta Group chairman Anil Agarwal and others, in connection with the explosion at the Vedanta power plant on Tuesday, which left 20 people dead and 15 injured.
“A massive explosion occurred in Boiler-01 at the Vedanta Power Plant. The preliminary technical report submitted by the Chief Inspector of Boilers at the site clarified that an excessive accumulation of fuel inside the boiler furnace caused extreme pressure, leading to the explosion,” the Sakti district police said in a statement.
“Due to this pressure, the lower pipe of the boiler shifted from its designated position, resulting in this severe accident. Similarly, the report provided by FSL Sakti confirmed that the excessive accumulation of fuel and the subsequent additional pressure were the primary causes of the explosion,” it said.
“During the investigation, it came to light that Vedanta Company and NGSL did not properly adhere to the standards regarding the maintenance and operation of machinery and equipment. Negligence in equipment upkeep and lapses in operation caused sudden fluctuations in the boiler’s pressure, leading to the accident. Based on available evidence and technical reports, clear negligence has been observed in the incident,” it said.
It further said that a case has been registered at Dabhra police station under BNS sections 106(1) (death due to negligence), 289 (negligent conduct with respect to machinery), and 3(5) (common intention) against “Vedanta Company Director Anil Agarwal, Company Manager Devendra Patel, and other responsible officers and employees for prima facie negligence”.
Sakti Superintendent of Police Praful Thakur said, “More investigation reports are awaited from the Industry Department, the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL), and the technical team’s report. Based on these reports, more sections may be added.”
The explosion occurred around 2.30 pm at Vedanta’s Singhitarai power plant. “After the pipeline burst, superheated steam at a temperature of around 600 degrees engulfed people who were having their lunch. Some others who were walking in open spaces also got injured,” said a senior official from the district.
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Speaking to media persons after visiting the plant on Thursday, Commerce and Industry, Commercial Taxes (Excise), Labour, Lakhan Lal Dewangan said, “The government of India has also formed a committee, and a technical analysis will be done, responsibility will be fixed, and stringent action will be taken. It is a very big accident, and those responsible will not be spared in any way. Rs 42 lakh compensation has been announced for the families of the deceased and Rs 17 lakh for those injured. There is a provision for pensions, too. We will give employment to the families of the deceased.”
A magisterial inquiry has been ordered into the incident, said Sakti Collector Amrit Vikas Topno, adding that the best possible treatment would be provided to those injured.
On Wednesday, Vedanta announced Rs 35 lakh compensation for the families of the deceased, and Rs 15 lakh for the injured.
Jayprakash S Naidu is a Principal Correspondent for The Indian Express, currently serving as the state correspondent for Chhattisgarh. With an extensive career in frontline journalism, he reports on the political, security, and humanitarian landscape of Central India.
Expertise and Experience
Specialized Conflict Reporting: Jayprakash is a leading voice on the Maoist/Naxalite conflict in the Bastar region. His reporting provides a critical, ground-level view of:
Internal Security: Tracking high-stakes encounters, surrender programs for senior Maoist leaders, and the establishment of security camps in formerly inaccessible "heartland" villages.
Tribal Rights & Displacement: Investigative reporting on the identity and land struggles of thousands of displaced tribals fleeing conflict zones for neighboring states.
Governance & Bureaucratic Analysis: He consistently monitors the evolution of Chhattisgarh as it marks 25 years of statehood, covering:
Electoral Politics: Analyzing the shift in power between the BJP and Congress and the impact of regional tribal movements.
Public Policy: Reporting on landmark infrastructure projects (e.g., mobile connectivity in remote zones) and judicial interventions, such as High Court rulings on civil and family law.
Diverse Investigative Background: Prior to his current focus on Chhattisgarh, Jayprakash held reported from Maharashtra, where he specialized in:
Crisis & Disaster Management: Notable for his extensive coverage of the Cyclone Tauktae barge tragedy (P-305) and the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on frontline personnel.
Legal & Human Rights: Investigative pieces for platforms like Article-14, focusing on police accountability and custodial deaths across India.
Environmental & Social Justice: Authoritative reporting on the Hasdeo Aranya forest protests and the approval of major tiger reserves, highlighting the tension between industrial mining and environmental preservation. ... Read More
