A case of causing death by negligence has been filed against Vedanta group chairman Anil Agrawal and others in connection with the power plant blast in Chhattisgarh's Sakti district two days ago, said Sakti Superintendent of Police Prafull Thakur on Thursday (April 16, 2026).

Speaking to The Hindu, Mr. Thakur confirmed that Mr. Agrawal had been named in the FIR registered at the Dabhra police station under sections 106 (causing death by negligence), 289 (negligent conduct with respect to machinery) and 3(5) (common intention) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.

On April 14, a tube carrying high-pressure steam from the boiler to the turbine exploded at Vedanta’s power plant in Singhitarai village killing 20 and injuring 16. Fifteen of the injured remained hospitalised till Thursday (April 16, 2026), said the police.

Earlier, speaking to journalists, Mr. Thakur added that eight to ten individuals had been named in the FIR who are from the management as well as those responsible for the safety and maintenance.

“If more persons are found responsible during the investigation, their names will be added,” said the SP.

Meanwhile the Opposition Congress raised questions over the plant’s capability to operate, alleging that it had remained idle for a long period – 11 years – before the production started and also questioned whether proper safety audits were carried out before the unit was commissioned last year.

Party’s State President Deepak Baij made these allegations after he and other senior Congress leaders visited the spot of the blast.

“The plant became operational after a long gap. Was a thorough inspection conducted before commissioning? Were boiler safety norms followed? Was there any rusting or cracks in the system? These are serious questions that need answers,” he said.

The Hindu had sent a query to Vedanta Power for a comment on the FIR on Mr. Agrawal and the allegations made by the Congress leaders but the responses were awaited till late evening.