The death toll from a horrific industrial accident at a sugar factory in Karnataka's Belagavi district has climbed to seven. The tragedy occurred due to a boiler mishap at Inamdar Sugars, with the latest victims succumbing to severe burn injuries in hospital on Thursday, January 8, 2026.
Negligence Alleged as Police Book Senior Officers
Following intense complaints from grieving families, the Belagavi police on Thursday took legal action. They have booked three senior officers of the factory who head the engineering, technical maintenance, and processing departments. The charges stem from their alleged failure to implement mandatory safety protocols at the workplace.
Superintendent of Police K Ramarajan stated that an FIR has been registered under the relevant Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) provisions. These include sections for rash and negligent acts, negligence concerning machinery, and causing death by negligence. The SP confirmed the investigation is ongoing and the FIR will be updated to include all parties found responsible.
Chronology of a Tragedy
The incident took place on Wednesday when workers were attempting to repair a blocked valve. Preliminary investigations indicate that the victims had climbed four floors to access the valve without adequate safety measures in place. During the repair, hot, concentrated sugar spilled, causing catastrophic burns.
Initially, three workers—Akshay Topad, Deepak Munnoli, and Sudarshan Banoshi—died from their injuries. On Thursday, four more workers tragically passed away in the hospital. They have been identified as Manjunath Kajagar, Bharatesh Sarawadi, Manjunath Terdal, and Gurupadappa Tammannavar.
One worker, Raghavendra Mallappa, remains in critical condition in the ICU of a private hospital in Belagavi. SP Ramarajan mentioned that a 'green corridor' was swiftly created to expedite the transport of the injured from the factory to the hospital.
Families Demand Justice and Compensation
The aftermath of the accident has been marked by profound grief and anger. Relatives of the deceased gathered outside the Belagavi sugar factory, with some refusing to claim the bodies of their loved ones until they received firm assurances of financial compensation.
Local authorities, including the police and the tehsildar, are now coordinating with the families to help complete the last rites and facilitate the process of claiming insurance and compensation. SP Ramarajan has directed the police and district administration to actively assist the victims' families in this regard.
The SP also warned that if the ongoing investigation finds the factory management or owners culpable, they will be charged under appropriate legal sections. He further stated that he would write to Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Roshan, urging him to direct regulatory authorities to ensure all factories in the district strictly adhere to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Legal action will be pursued against any officials found negligent in their duties.
This tragic incident has once again cast a harsh spotlight on the critical issue of industrial safety and the human cost of its neglect.
