Fuel build-up, safety lapses: FIR against Vedanta chief Anil Agarwal, others

The Chhattisgarh police have registered an FIR against Vedanta Group chairman Anil Agarwal and several others in connection with the catastrophic blast at the company’s power plant in Singhitarai village that claimed 20 lives and injured 16 workers.

The explosion occurred on April 14 when a steel tube carrying high-pressure steam from the boiler to the turbine suddenly burst , triggering a powerful blast and leaving workers with severe burn injuries. Many later succumbed, turning the accident into a major industrial tragedy.

Initial findings from the technical investigation have pointed to excess fuel accumulation inside the boiler furnace , which caused a dangerous pressure build-up . This surge is believed to have forced a pipe out of position, ultimately leading to the explosion. The Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) has also confirmed that fuel build-up and pressure imbalance were key triggers.

However, the probe has gone beyond technical faults. Authorities have flagged serious lapses in maintenance and operational practices by the company and its contractor, suggesting that negligent handling of machinery and poor upkeep created the conditions for the disaster.

Based on these findings, a case has been registered at Dabhra police station under sections related to causing death by negligence, negligent conduct with machinery, and common intention under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. According to officials, eight to ten individuals have been named in the FIR , including Agarwal, with the possibility of more names being added as the investigation progresses.

Sakti Superintendent of Police Prafull Thakur said that multiple reports are still awaited, including post-mortem findings, forensic analysis, and inputs from industrial safety authorities . A dedicated technical team has also been formed to further examine the exact sequence of events and identify accountability.

The incident has also drawn political attention, with the opposition Congress demanding a judicial inquiry and strict action against the plant management.

As investigations continue, the tragedy has once again highlighted a harsh reality, industrial safety failures are rarely accidental, but often the result of ignored warnings and systemic negligence.