Vedanta shares fall after boiler blast probe flags lapses, 20 dead; FIR names Anil Agarwal

Shares of Vedanta Limited came under pressure on Friday morning after fresh details emerged from the investigation into the deadly boiler blast at its Chhattisgarh power plant.

As per NSE data, the stock was trading at Rs 778.25, down Rs 4.60 or 0.59 per cent during early trade.

What triggered the explosion

A preliminary technical probe has pointed to excessive fuel accumulation inside the boiler furnace as the main reason behind the blast.

Police said the fuel build-up led to a sharp rise in pressure. This eventually caused the explosion.

The pressure was so high that it forced a lower pipe of the boiler out of its position. This led to a massive accident at the plant.

A report by the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) in Sakti also confirmed that fuel accumulation and excessive pressure were the primary causes.

What police said

As per ANI, Sakti Superintendent of Police Prafull Thakur said the findings clearly indicate negligence.

“According to an initial report submitted by the Chief Boiler Inspector, excessive fuel inside the furnace generated high pressure, causing a blast in the boiler. The pressure forced a lower pipe out of its designated position, resulting in the severe accident,” he said, as reported by ANI.

He added that negligence has been established prima facie based on technical findings.

Maintenance lapses and negligence flagged

The investigation also found serious lapses in maintenance and operations.

Officials said Vedanta and its contractor, NTPC GE Power Services Limited (NGSL), did not follow proper standards for machinery upkeep.

Police said these failures led to sudden fluctuations in boiler pressure. This ultimately triggered the blast.

“Lapses in upkeep and negligent operation led to sudden fluctuations in boiler pressure,” police said in a statement, as quoted by ANI.

FIR filed; top officials named

An FIR has been registered against Anil Agarwal, chairman of Vedanta Resources Limited, along with company manager Devendra Patel and other officials.

According to ANI, the FIR has been filed under sections related to causing death by negligence, negligent conduct with machinery, and common intention under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

“Eight to ten individuals, including Vedanta Group chairman Anil Agarwal, have been named in the FIR. If more persons are found responsible, their names will be added,” Prafull Thakur said, as quoted by ANI.

20 workers dead, several injured

The explosion took place on April 14 at the plant located in Singhitarai village in Chhattisgarh’s Sakti district.

A high-pressure steam-carrying steel tube burst during operations.

The incident killed 20 workers. At least 16 others were injured. Many suffered severe burn injuries.

Investigation widens; SIT formed

Police said a detailed investigation is underway. A technical team has been formed to examine all aspects of the accident.

Several reports are still awaited. These include post-mortem reports and detailed forensic findings.

A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has also been set up. It is being led by Additional SP Pankaj Patel.

The team includes Sub Divisional Officer of Police Sumit Gupta, forensic officer Srishti Singh, and local police officials.

Political reaction and next steps

Following the incident, the Congress party demanded strict action against the company and its management.

The party has also called for a judicial inquiry into the blast.