Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has expressed profound grief over the death of four workers in a devastating explosion at a steel manufacturing unit in Cachar district and announced an ex gratia of ₹5 lakh for the next of kin of each deceased.
The victims were identified as Kiran Munda, Appu Baraik, Shyamal Gour and Sagar Nath. The Chief Minister also wished a speedy recovery to those injured in the incident.
The explosion occurred at around 11:03 am on Sunday at the K D Road Industry premises in Pangram under Udharbond, where the factory entrance bears the names Kade Global Infrastructure LLP and IIRD Casting Works LLP.
Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Kaushik Rai, who visited the accident site, confirmed that the death toll had risen to four. He said rescue operations were launched immediately with the participation of the Cachar district administration, police, NDRF personnel and other emergency agencies. The bodies have been sent to Silchar Medical College and Hospital for post-mortem examination.
The Minister said the exact cause of the explosion has not yet been determined and multiple investigations have been ordered. Separate inquiries will be conducted by the District Commissioner, Assistant Labour Commissioner and Cachar Police to examine whether labour safety regulations and mandatory industrial norms were being followed.
He further informed that a specialised technical team from Guwahati will inspect the factory to determine the nature of the chemicals used and identify the precise cause of the blast.
Kaushik Rai added that Guardian Minister Krishnendu Paul and local MLA Rajdeep Goala, who is attending the Assembly session in Guwahati, have been closely monitoring the situation in coordination with the Chief Minister. The MLA is expected to visit the site on Monday.
Responding to allegations by protesters that previous fatal accidents at the factory had allegedly been concealed, the Minister said such claims would be thoroughly examined during the investigation if supported by evidence.
Meanwhile, Cachar Police have launched a criminal investigation into the incident and detained four persons, including the factory manager, for questioning over possible safety lapses.
Chief Minister Sarma said any negligence established during the investigation would invite strict legal action, reiterating the state government’s commitment to ensuring accountability and industrial safety.
