Was the blast in Baghjan oil well a deliberate attempt by OIL

The first press release stated that "inter alia while chalking out the plans with Alert team in the morning, five options were presented by the Alert team which included 'Capping Stack Guide Rail' Mechanism and 'Ignite Well' options. ONGC and OIL teams had made considerable progress with the 'Capping Stack Guide Rail' Mechanism and it was decided to proceed with the same". However soon afterwards, this release was removed from the OIL's web page; and OIL released the second one deleting the words 'Ignite Well'.

Both the press releases also stated that "inter alia they (Alert) have expressed that it was now 'a safe environment' for working and are confident that the situation can be controlled and the well can be capped safely".

But what has intrigued many is why were OIL staffs engaged in the 'clearing operation' near the blowout site prior to ignition when the OIL maintained that any task to be undertaken near the blow site entailed huge risk due to the non-availability of open spaces besides the uncontrollable gushing of highly inflammable compounds.

Besides, vertical movement of hydraulically driven transporters to place the BOP (Blow Out Preventer) on the wellhead needed dismantling of oil rigs which were creating hindrance to the movement of equipments.

Thus, it could be construed that the OIL allegedly opted for the 'Ignite well' option on the pretext of 'clearing operation' to create a 'safe environment' followed by 'Capping Stack Guide Rail' Mechanism.

Also watch: AASU Points Finger at Govt; says OIL lacks safety expertise