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Belagavi Sugar Factory Blast Toll Rises to 8 as Police Book Three Senior Officers

Maintenance on a blocked valve sent scalding sugar over workers, prompting a criminal probe into safety procedures.

Overview

  • The boiler in Inamdar Sugars’ No. 1 compartment exploded around 2 pm on January 7 during repair work, according to police.
  • Hot concentrated sugar splashed onto eight workers; several later died in hospital despite emergency transfers via a green corridor.
  • An FIR under BNS provisions cites rash and negligent acts and negligence with respect to machinery, with investigators noting prima facie lapses by workers and senior staff.
  • Three department heads have been named on negligence-related charges, and police say additional responsible parties may be added after further inquiry.
  • One injured worker remains critical in a Belagavi ICU as families seek compensation and officials push for a regulatory review of factory safety protocols.