Untrained Workers at SBL Energy Ltd Linked to Explosion That Killed 26, Police Tell Bombay High Court Nagpur: The Nagpur Rural Police have informed the Bombay High Court that untrained and unskilled workers were involved in handling hazardous chemicals at SBL Energy Ltd’s facility in Raulgaon (Katol taluka), where a devastating explosion on March 1 killed 26 people. The police submitted an affidavit to the court, detailing significant lapses in industrial safety protocols that may have contributed to the tragedy. The case is being heard by a division bench comprising Justices Anil Kilor and Raj Wakode, which is examining a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by social activist Jammu Anand. The police affidavit, submitted by Superintendent of Police (Rural) Harssh Poddar, outlined multiple violations at the company. According to the document, SBL Energy Ltd failed to appoint the required two qualified safety officers and two medical officers, instead employing only one safety officer for a workforce of 809 employees. The report also revealed that only 183 workers had undergone mandatory medical examinations, leaving the majority of the staff without proper health assessments. Additionally, the company was found to have only a single ambulance available at the site, with no emergency medical equipment or trained personnel on standby. The production unit lacked a CCTV system, which could have provided critical footage of the incident. The explosion occurred on March 1, resulting in the immediate deaths of 17 women workers. The toll rose to 26 as more victims succumbed to their injuries during treatment. The police emphasized that the incident was not an isolated accident but a consequence of systemic negligence in adhering to safety regulations.#bombay_high_court #raulgaon #nagpur_rural_police #sbl_energy_ltd #jammu_anand
