Shares of Vedanta Limited fell on 17 April after a preliminary technical probe into the deadly boiler blast at its Chhattisgarh power plant flagged fuel accumulation, pressure build-up and alleged maintenance lapses, with the stock sliding to an intraday low before trimming losses through the session.

The explosion occurred on 14 April at the firm’s plant in Singhitarai village, Sakti district, when a steel tube carrying high-pressure steam from a boiler to a turbine burst, killing 20 people and leaving 16 injured, several with severe burns.

The Chief Boiler Inspector’s initial report found that excessive fuel buildup inside the furnace generated rising pressure, eventually triggering the blast. A Forensic Science Laboratory report from Sakti separately confirmed fuel accumulation and the resulting pressure surge as the primary causes of the explosion.

Investigators also found that Vedanta and its contractor NGSL, or NTPC GE Power Services Limited, failed to adhere to proper maintenance and operational standards. Authorities concluded that lapses in upkeep and negligent operation caused sudden boiler pressure fluctuations, establishing prima facie negligence. An FIR has been registered at Dabhra police station under sections 106, 289 and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Eight to ten individuals have been named, including Vedanta Group chairman Anil Agarwal and management official Devendra Patel.

VEDL hit an intraday low of Rs 772.40 before recovering partially. At 11:16 am, shares were trading at Rs 780.25, down 0.33% on the NSE, against a previous close of Rs 782.85. The 52-week high of Rs 787.85 was hit just one session earlier, on 16 April. The stock is up 29.99% year-to-date and has gained 95.83% over the past year.

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