Former Minister and senior BRS leader T. Harish Rao launched a sharp attack on the Congress-led Telangana government over its handling of the Sigachi Industries explosion in Sangareddy, which claimed 54 migrant workers’ lives. After meeting the Sangareddy Additional Collector and affected families, Rao accused the government of “inhuman negligence” in delivering compensation and handing over bodies.

Leading a protest rally before the meeting, Rao told the media that even a month after the blast, families awaited justice. He recalled CM Revanth Reddy’s promise of ₹1 crore ex-gratia per victim but said not a single rupee had reached the families. Many were reportedly forced to collect ashes without formal rites due to non-release of bodies.

Calling the state’s response the “worst in memory,” Rao said such insensitivity was unprecedented, even in earlier tragedies. He alleged that officials mocked families by referencing the SLBC tragedy, saying, “At least you got the ashes.” He added that families from Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and Andhra Pradesh spent Rs. 20,000–Rs. 30,000 just to trace or identify victims.

Rao criticized the silence on compensation timelines and attacked CM Revanth Reddy for broken promises. He noted that some injured workers remained in critical condition, but only Rs. 50,000 had been disbursed to a few, despite an assurance of Rs. 10 lakh. He demanded Rs. 50 lakh and monthly allowances for the severely injured.

The BRS leader also flagged the absence of official data—no list of deceased, injured, or compensation details. He urged immediate issuance of death certificates, FIRs, and post-mortem reports. Rao cited a victim’s son who had earlier warned about faulty machinery, yet no case had been filed against the company.

He questioned the government’s relationship with Sigachi Industries, alleging a cover-up and protection of the company. He condemned the handling of eight missing bodies, accusing authorities of misleading families without proper investigation.

Citing a similar blast in Anakapalli, Andhra Pradesh, where compensation was paid within three days, Rao asked why Telangana’s response lagged. He compared it to the KCR government’s support for migrant workers during COVID-19, contrasting it with the current “shameful” treatment.

Rao warned of intensified BRS protests if justice remained elusive, stating the government failed not only in preventing disasters but also in showing compassion afterward.