Assam: Two arrested in Tinsukia over Arunachal truck mishap that killed 21 labourers
Dibrugarh: Tinsukia Police of Assam have arrested two persons for allegedly illegally sending labourers from Tinsukia's Gelaphukari tea estate to Arunachal Pradesh, resulting in a fatal road accident in which at least 21 labourers lost their lives.
The arrested individuals have been identified as Md Sirajul Ahmed (36) and Sairuddin Ali (27), both residents of Balupara Gaon village under the Guijan area of Tinsukia district.
The tragic accident on December 8, 2025, occurred when a truck carrying labourers to a construction site in Arunachal Pradesh’s Anjaw district skidded off the HMC (Hayuliang–Metengliang–Chaglagam) road near Chaglagam Circle under Hayuliang sub-division and plunged into a deep gorge, estimated at around 700 metres.
The accident involved 22 persons, including the driver.
Police had recovered 20 bodies by Sunday morning, while rescue teams continued operations in the difficult terrain.
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Tinsukia, Mayank Kumar Jha, said the victims’ transport to the neighbouring state violated mandatory protocols.
“During the investigation, we found that the labourers’ transport violated the law, as they moved illegally without proper documentation or safety measures. We have registered a case at Tinsukia Sadar Police Station and launched an investigation,” the SSP said.
Meanwhile, police have registered Case No. 432/2025 under sections 143(3) (human trafficking), 105 (culpable homicide), 125B (causing danger to life or personal safety through negligent acts), and 61(2) (criminal conspiracy) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has also been constituted to probe the case. “We are investigating the entire chain, and more arrests are likely in the coming days,” he said.
Both the accused were produced before a local court on Sunday, and police sought remand. “We have appealed for remand and expect to gather more crucial information during further investigation,” an official said.
Officials brought the bodies of six workers killed in the accident back to Assam and cremated them at Gelaphakuri Tea Estate in Tinsukia district on Saturday evening.
The entire Gelaphakuri tea estate mourned as they bid a tearful farewell to the youths. Authorities identified the deceased as Abhay Bhumij (33), Sanjay Kumar (36), Junash Munda (20), Agor Tanti (24), Rajni Nag (24), and Rahul Kumar (25).
District Commissioner Swapneel Paul and SSP Mayank Kumar formally received the bodies at Tinsukia Medical College. Assam Minister Bimal Borah and Tinsukia MLA Sanjay Keshan were also present during the handover.
An official said this was one of the most dangerous rescue operations, with teams from the NDRF, Border Roads Organisation (BRO), the Indian Army, and officials of the Anjaw district administration involved.