Five Detained After Pangram Factory Blast as Police Register FIR, Investigation Intensifies

Police have detained five people, including the manager of the Pangram rod manufacturing factory in Udharbond, Cachar, as the investigation into Sunday’s (July 26) deadly explosion gathers pace. Among those detained is factory manager Amir Chand Jahangir. The others are employees of the factory who are currently being questioned.

Confirming the development, Cachar Senior Superintendent of Police Sanjib Kumar Saikia told the media that an FIR has been registered and a formal investigation has begun. He said five people have been detained as part of the probe and that further action will be taken based on the findings of the investigation.

The SSP said a Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) team will also examine the site. The investigation will look into compliance with safety norms and other relevant aspects to determine the cause of the explosion. He added that strict action would be taken against anyone found responsible during the course of the investigation.

The blast took place on Sunday at a rod manufacturing factory in Pangram under Udharbond, killing four workers and injuring several others. Deceased have been identified as Kiran Munda, Appu Boraik, Shyamal Gour, and Sagar Nath.The exact cause of the explosion has not yet been officially established, although initial reports suggested it may have involved an LPG cylinder. Authorities have not confirmed the cause and are awaiting the findings of the investigation.

Following the incident, Assam Minister Kaushik Rai announced that the state government would provide an ex gratia of Rs. 5 lakh to the family of each deceased worker. Separate enquiries have also been ordered by the district administration, the Assistant Labour Commissioner and the police to examine whether labour safety regulations and other mandatory norms were being followed at the factory.

The explosion had triggered protests outside the factory, with local residents and workers demanding accountability, better industrial safety and compensation for the victims’ families. Police said the investigation remains ongoing and more information is expected as forensic and technical examinations are completed.