Cuddalore Member of Parliament M.K. Vishnu Prasad (Congress) on Monday alleged negligence by the NLC India Limited (NLCIL) administration following the death of a 37-year-old contract worker in an accident at the Neyveli Thermal Power Station-II (TPS-II), and sought an immediate and comprehensive inquiry into safety and maintenance practices at the plant.
In a press statement, Mr. Vishnu Prasad said K. Muthukrishnan, a contract worker, was working on a platform, about 15 metres above the ground in the plant on August 24, when it allegedly tilted. The worker sustained serious injuries and was admitted to the Mahatma Gandhi Medical College and Research Institute Hospital in Puducherry, where he succumbed to his injuries, the MP said.
He demanded a detailed investigation into NLCIL’s safety and maintenance systems. He said TPS-II had been functioning for around 47 years and required a systematic Life Extension Programme (LEP), including inspections of major equipment, structures and components, and repairs, maintenance, and replacement wherever necessary.
“I had repeatedly raised the need for an LEP for the ageing station before the NLC administration, the Central government and in Parliament. However, no clear response or appropriate action had been taken on the matter,” he said.
The MP also referred to allegations of corruption and irregularities in NLCIL, saying a complaint supported by evidence was submitted to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and a case was filed before the Madras High Court. He called for a transparent inquiry into both the alleged irregularities and the worker’s death.
He also urged the Central government to intervene, inspect the departments concerned, and fix responsibility if any official was found guilty of wrongdoing. He demanded a comprehensive review of safety and maintenance arrangements across all NLCIL power stations, action against senior officials and others found responsible for the accident, and adequate compensation to Muthukrishnan’s family.
The MP sought permanent employment in NLC for one member of the deceased worker’s family, along with other necessary assistance from NLCIL and the Central government. The Tamil Nadu government should take note of the incident and intervene immediately, he said.
Published – September 07, 2026 11:11 pm IST
