Central government probing Bhushan plant mishap

The central government Tuesday deputed a senior official to probe Odisha's Bhushan Steel Plant mishap nearly a week ago that left one dead and several injured.

Minister of State for Labour and Employment Kodikunnil Suresh who was here on a one-day tour said the deputy chief labour commissioner posted in the state has been asked to visit the spot and make an on-the-spot assessment.

Suresh also said he has asked the state authorities to submit a report of the mishap to the ministry. He said stringent action would be taken if there was any violation of labour laws.

The explosion occurred Nov 13 in the blast furnace No.2 at the steel plant at Narendrapur village, about 150 km from the state capital Bhubaneswar.

Plant officials claimed a worker died and about 15 were injured in the incident.

Though the state government launched a probe after allegation surfaced the company concealed information regarding the number of deaths and injured, a clear picture was yet to emerge.

The area authorities sealed the blast furnace after the incident and arrested three senior company officials for negligence.

Trade union leaders have been demanding a judicial probe into the matter while accusing the company and the government of concealing information.