• A massive fire broke out during pipe shifting.

• FIR lodged on the allegation of lack of security

• Burnt worker Ranjit Singh dies

Bhilai Steel Plant: Ranjit Singh, a contract worker who was burned in a fire at the Bhilai Steel Plant (BSP), died 15 days later during treatment. An investigation revealed serious shortcomings in safety measures and negligence on the part of the management. Following this, a case has been registered against the plant management at the Bhilai Bhatti police station under sections 304-A and 285 of the Indian Penal Code.

Ranjit Singh (38), a resident of Camp-01, Pragati Nagar, was employed as a contract labourer at SMS-2 Continuous Casting Shop, Caster-06, under M/s Maruti Construction.

Death during pipe shifting

The incident occurred on April 25 at around 3:15 p.m., when Ranjit was shifting pipes to replace equipment cooling pipelines. Flammable material at the site suddenly caught fire.

Along with Ranjit Singh, three other workers, Raju Tandi, Ramesh Maurya, and Amit Singh, were also caught in the fire. All the injured were immediately taken to the Main Medical Post and then admitted to Sector 9 Hospital. Upon arrival at the hospital, the Executive Magistrate recorded the dying declarations of all the burned workers.

There were not enough security arrangements.

According to doctors' reports, Ranjit Singh suffered 100% burns and inhalation injuries. Despite continued treatment, his condition deteriorated, and he passed away at the hospital at 10:00 pm on May 9. Hospital management reported his death to the police at 12:05 am.

Durg police launched an investigation into the matter. The investigation reviewed the magistrate's statement, the statements of the injured workers, hospital reports, and facts from the scene.