Hans News Service Visakhapatnam

CITU state president CH Narasingha Rao questioned why the inquiry committee appointed by Union Steel Minister HD Kumaraswamy has not submitted its report even after a month of the tragic ladle blast incident that occurred at Visakhapatnam Steel Plant (VSP) in which 10 workers lost their lives.

Addressing the media in Visakhapatnam on Thursday, Narasingha Rao mentioned that the probe conducted by the state factory department identified eight major safety lapses in the plant.

He alleged that in last January, the department pointed out 645 safety deficiencies and sought an explanation from the steel plant management, but no response was submitted within the stipulated 15-day period.

The CITU state president stated that 12 workers died in different accidents at the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant during 2025 and claimed that 37 cases related to safety violations of the steel plant management are currently pending before various courts.

Alleging gross negligence on the part of the management, the CITU state president demanded immediate arrest of the Chairman and Managing Director of the VSP.

Recalling the LG Polymers gas leak tragedy in 2020, Narasingha Rao mentioned that 12 persons, including the company’s South Korean director, were arrested and held accountable following the incident.

He questioned why Visakhapatnam Steel Plant management has not faced similar legal action despite more serious industrial accidents happening at the plant.

Speaking on the occasion, CITU state secretary RKSV Kumar alleged that while each major department of the steel plant earlier had a dedicated safety officer, the entire plant is now functioning with only three safety officers in three shifts.

He said workers have been continuously raising concerns over inadequate safety measures and have brought the deficiencies to the notice of the Union Steel Minister. However, despite repeated representations, no corrective measures have been taken, while repeated accidents continue to recur at the plant.