Vadodara: The Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOCL) will pay Rs. 25 lakh each as compensation to the families of the two employees who died in the fire incident at the company’s Koyali refinery.

The massive fire broke out on Monday at the IOCL refinery in Koyali and was brought under control on Tuesday after an over 10-hour-long operation. The tragic deaths of two employees, identified as Dhimant Makwana from Tarapur taluka in Anand district and Shailesh Makwana from Koyali village, sparked local outrage, leading to protests outside the refinery.

The families of the deceased gathered at the refinery gate, expressing their anger over the incident. They staged a dharna at both the company gate and the hospital, demanding proper compensation. After 10 hours of negotiations, the local MLA intervened to mediate between the company and the families. IOCL eventually agreed to provide ₹25 lakh each to the families of the deceased, jobs for the wives, and educational support for the children. The families of both employees accepted the bodies and left for home.

Dhimant was employed by a contractor, while Shailesh worked in the refinery’s canteen. Shailesh’s father, Shanabhai, told the media, “We have been assured of an immediate payment of Rs 20 lakh, with an additional Rs 5 lakh to follow in two weeks. IOCL has also pledged to support my son’s children’s education and provide a job to my daughter-in-law on compassionate grounds.” DeshGujarat