Compensation Cheques Distributed to Pharma Blast Victims

Visakhapatnam: The cash compensation to the families of the dead in Wednesday’s blast in the Achyutapuram Special Economic Zone (SEZ) was distributed on Friday in the name of the errant pharma company.

Deputy tahsildars from various regions handed out compensation cheques of Rs 1 crore each to the families of the 17 dead workers. The cheques were issued in the name of Escientia Advanced Sciences Pvt Ltd. The blast in the pharma factory took the lives of 17 workers and left 36 others injured.

At an event, Home Minister Anitha Vangalapudi distributed cheques to the injured victims as per the compensation amounts announced by Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu. Workers who sustained serious injuries received Rs 50 lakh each, while those with minor injuries were granted Rs 25 lakh.

Anitha highlighted the government's prompt response to the disaster. “The compensation was transferred directly into the victims' bank accounts within 24 hours of the announcement,” she said.

She said documentation on these deposits was provided to the recipients by way of proof of transfer of money to the banks.

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken suo motu cognizance of the blast. It issued notices to the chief secretary and the Director of DGP, seeking a thorough investigation. It called for a detailed report within two weeks to determine if there was any negligence in ensuring the safety of the workers.

NHRC's inquiry will focus on several aspects, including the status of the First Information Report, the health and medical treatment provided to the injured, the distribution of compensation, and other relief measures extended to the victims and their families.