Shadnagar Explosion: Workers Demand Better Working Conditions

Hyderabad: Workers from the South Glass Industry in Shadnagar, where a massive blast killed and seriously injured several employees on Friday, are crying foul of the management’ attitude and their own folly in bearing harassment, beatings and non-payment of wages in silence.

“They used to beat us if we did not achieve targets. We were treated as beggars,” 30-year-old worker Sunil Kumar told Deccan Chronicle.

“We would often go to the management with our concerns, but they would ignore us,” said another worker Rathi Kanth Dori.

Sunil said that "We want to take the bodies to the factory not our hometown to expose the management's negligence.”

No one from the management visited the hospital. We have been trying to call the factory owner but he has switched off his phone after the tragic incident, said one of the workers.

The workers believe that both the police and the factory owners are shirking away from their responsibilities.

"No one has taken any responsibility for the blast. We are left to suffer and die," said one worker.

They are demanding justice and compensation for families of workers who have died.

Meanwhile, Shadnagar MLA Veerlapalli Shankar visited the spot on Saturday and condemned the lack of concern for the workers, whose bodies were reportedly torn apart in the blast. He criticised the management for not having safety equipment and accused authorities of colluding with industrialists.

Meanwhile, Ranga Reddy collector said "We are ensuring that the injured workers receive the best possible treatment. We will conduct a thorough inquiry into the incident and take appropriate action against those responsible. We will also ensure that the families of the deceased and injured workers receive prompt compensation and support."

Shadnagar ACP said "A case have been registered against the management, who is identified as Shelesh Gupta (50) under various sections, including Section 304A that pertains to causing death by negligence.”