Tragic Boiler Explosion at Illegal Aluminium Factory in Bihar: CPI(ML) Demands Accountability
A devastating boiler explosion at an illegally operated aluminium factory in Vaini, Samastipur district, has claimed the lives of four workers and left two others critically injured. On January 17, a CPI(ML) investigation team, comprising state committee member and AIARLA Secretary Shatrughan Sahni, AIARLA leader Jivachh Paswan, CPI(ML) district committee member Amit Kumar, and AIARLA district president Upendra Rai, visited the site to assess the situation and interact with locals.
Expressing deep condolences to the victims’ families, the team demanded the government provide Rs. 50 lakh in compensation and a government job to each bereaved family.
CPI(ML) and AIARLA leaders revealed that the factory was operating without proper registration or adherence to safety standards. Authorities were reportedly aware of its illegal status but failed to take effective action beyond issuing perfunctory notices. The tragedy, they argued, could have been avoided with timely inspections and stricter enforcement of safety protocols.
They criticised the negligence of both factory management and government officials. He disclosed that the factory's boiler was over 50 years old, raising serious concerns about maintenance. "Neglect of safety measures and lack of oversight have turned these workplaces into death traps," Shatrughan Sahni stated, adding that similar unregulated factories continue to operate across the district.
The explosion occurred while approximately 50 workers were present in the factory. Thirteen women survived only due to a partition wall behind which they were cleaning utensils at the time of the incident. The factory owner and manager have fled, evading accountability.
CPI(ML) has demanded stringent action against both the factory operators and negligent officials. "This is not just an industrial accident but a systemic failure of governance and labour rights," the team emphasised, vowing to fight for justice for the victims and accountability from those responsible.
