Owner Among 5 Arrested After Molten Metal Blast Kills 4 in Assam

Five people, including the owner of a metal processing factory, have been arrested following a fatal explosion that claimed the lives of four workers in Assam's Cachar district. The arrests came a day after the blast, as police intensified their investigation into the incident. Authorities said the accused have been booked under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including charges related to alleged negligence, and were produced before a local court.

The explosion occurred on Sunday morning while work was underway inside the factory. According to investigators, molten metal is believed to have burst out during the processing operation, engulfing workers who were in the vicinity. Four workers died either at the scene or while undergoing treatment at a hospital, while two others sustained injuries and continue to receive medical care. The exact cause of the explosion remains under investigation.

Police said four members of the factory's management were arrested from Cachar, while the factory owner was traced to Guwahati and taken into custody on Monday. Investigators are examining whether established industrial safety protocols were followed at the unit and if lapses in safety measures contributed to the accident. Further legal action will depend on the findings of the ongoing investigation.

Also Read: Assam Floods Affect 6.55 Lakh People Across Six Districts, 66 Dead

The incident sparked protests outside the factory, with local residents alleging that concerns regarding workplace safety at the unit had existed for some time. Protesters demanded strict action against those responsible and called for a comprehensive inquiry into the circumstances leading to the explosion. The unrest highlighted growing concerns over industrial safety standards and enforcement in the region.

Following the tragedy, Assam Minister Kaushik Rai visited the factory and announced that a magisterial inquiry had been ordered. The district labour department has also been directed to verify whether the factory was operating in accordance with prescribed industrial safety regulations and labour laws. Officials have begun inspecting other industrial establishments across Cachar district to assess compliance with safety norms and identify potential risks.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced financial assistance of ₹5 lakh for the family of each worker who lost their life in the explosion. He said any negligence in implementing industrial safety standards would be dealt with firmly and directed the district administration to provide all necessary support to the affected families. Authorities said the investigation is continuing, and additional action may follow based on the outcome of the inquiry into the incident.

Also Read: Assam Flood Death Toll Rises to 62, 7 Lakh People Affected