Photo Courtesy: India Today Group
Guwahati: The National Human Rights Commission has launched a suo motu inquiry into a fatal explosion at a Cachar district metal processing unit. The July 26 blast killed four workers and left two others critically injured. Over 100 people were inside the factory when molten metal spilled during the incident. The Commission demanded a detailed report from the Assam Chief Secretary and Cachar Superintendent of Police within two weeks.
Authorities identified the dead as Appu Boraik, 32, Kiron Munda, 28, Shyamal Gaur, and Sagar Nath of Agartala. All four died instantly. Their bodies were sent to Silchar Medical College and Hospital for post-mortem examinations. Locals and families claimed the facility had a history of dangerous accidents, prompting accusations of systemic safety failures. The NHRC stated the incident raises serious concerns regarding possible human rights violations.
Police have arrested five suspects following orders from Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma to expedite the probe. Rakesh Kumar Surana, the 63-year-old owner of Kade Global Infrastructure LLP, was captured in Guwahati. Four others involved in the plant’s management were also booked under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Those identified are Alok Kumar Tiwari, 34, Rama Kant Singh, 35, Shamim Akhtar, 35, and Amichand Jangir, 62.
The explosion occurred at a newer unit in Pangram, which opened roughly one year ago. Chief Minister Sarma announced a payment of Rs 5 lakh to each victim’s family. "Industrial negligence would not be tolerated and strict action would be taken against any lapses," Sarma stated. Minister Kaushik Rai confirmed a magisterial inquiry, a police investigation, and a separate probe by the district labour commissioner are underway. MLA Rajdeep Goala has ordered an industrial safety audit for the entire district. Forensic experts from Guwahati are currently examining the site to determine the cause of the blast.
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