Nagpur Blast Probe Reveals Untrained Workers, Safety Lapses at SBL Energy

Nagpur Blast Investigation Uncovers Critical Safety Failures at SBL Energy

In a shocking revelation, the Nagpur Rural Police have informed the Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court that inexperienced and unskilled workers were handling hazardous chemicals at SBL Energy Ltd in Raulgaon, Katol taluka. This facility was the site of a powerful explosion in March that claimed 26 lives, with police drawing a preliminary link between the tragedy and serious lapses in industrial safety compliance.

Police Affidavit Details Multiple Violations

The affidavit, submitted by Superintendent of Police (Rural) Harssh Poddar, was presented during a public interest litigation hearing before a division bench comprising Justices Anil Kilor and Raj Wakode. The petition was filed by social activist Jammu Anand. Key findings from the police report include:

• The company failed to appoint the mandated two qualified safety officers and two medical officers, employing only one safety officer for a workforce of 809 employees.
• Only 183 out of 809 workers had undergone mandatory medical examinations.
• Just a single ambulance was available on-site, and no CCTV system had been installed in the production unit.

These deficiencies highlight a systemic disregard for safety protocols, which police believe contributed directly to the catastrophic incident.

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Explosion Toll and Previous Incidents

The explosion on March 1 resulted in the immediate death of 17 women workers, with the toll rising to 26 during subsequent treatment. Alarmingly, the police affidavit also revealed that a similar explosion occurred at the same facility on April 26, 2025. Following that earlier incident, police had recommended against the renewal of the company's licence, yet operations continued unabated.

Legal Proceedings and Regulatory Oversight

During the court hearing, petitioner's counsel Arvind Waghmare raised concerns over the absence of criminal charges against the company's directors or owners. In response, police stated that sufficient evidence is not yet available to invoke provisions under the Explosives Act, 1908. Further legal action will depend on final reports from the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) and the Directorate of Industrial Safety and Health (DISH).

Appearing for the state, additional government pleader Kalyani Marpakwar informed the court that investigations are ongoing. Regulatory findings from PESO and DISH are expected to shape the next course of legal action, potentially leading to charges if conclusive evidence emerges.

Summary of Key Points from Police Affidavit

1. Untrained workers handled hazardous chemicals at SBL Energy, leading to the fatal explosion.
2. The death toll stands at 26, with initial fatalities including 17 women workers.
3. Only one safety officer was appointed instead of the mandatory two.
4. Just 183 of 809 workers underwent medical examination.
5. A single ambulance and no CCTV were present in the production unit.
6. A similar blast was reported earlier on April 26, 2025, after which police recommended against licence renewal.
7. No charges have been filed under the Explosives Act due to lack of conclusive evidence.
8. Final reports from PESO and DISH are awaited for further action.

This case underscores systemic industrial safety failures and regulatory gaps in hazardous industries, raising urgent questions about enforcement and accountability in workplace safety standards across India.