The AASU compensation demand has intensified following the deaths of four workers in a massive explosion and fire at Oil India Limited’s (OIL) facility in Tengakhat, Dibrugarh district. The All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) has demanded at least Rs 5 crore for each bereaved family.
The student organisation also wants employment for one eligible member from each affected family. Additionally, it has urged Oil India management to provide proper medical treatment and financial assistance to workers who sustained critical injuries.
AASU Compensation Demand Reaches Oil India Management
A delegation from the Dibrugarh district committee of AASU visited Oil India’s headquarters in Duliajan on November 9. The delegation submitted a memorandum addressed to the company’s Chairman and Managing Director.
Through the memorandum, the organisation called for immediate financial assistance and long-term support for the families affected by the Tengakhat tragedy.
AASU identified the four deceased workers as Raju Dutta, Tapas Gogoi, Rupam Gohain and Shailen Gogoi. It demanded a minimum compensation of Rs 5 crore for each family.
Moreover, the organisation stressed that financial assistance alone would not provide lasting security to the families. Therefore, it called for Oil India to offer a job to one eligible member from each bereaved household.
The proposed employment support, according to the demands raised by AASU, would help the families maintain a stable source of income after losing their primary earners.
The delegation also appealed to the company’s senior management to consider the demands seriously and respond without unnecessary delay.
Three Injured Workers Need Continued Medical Support
Alongside compensation for the deceased workers’ families, AASU raised concerns about three workers who suffered critical injuries. The injured workers remain under hospital treatment, according to reports on November 9.
The organisation urged Oil India to arrange advanced medical care and provide adequate financial assistance. It stressed the need for prompt support given the seriousness of their condition.
Furthermore, AASU wants the company to address the needs of everyone affected by the incident. Medical expenses and prolonged recovery can create additional financial difficulties for injured workers and their families.
Oil India Fire Claims Four Lives
The explosion and subsequent fire occurred on November 6 at OIL’s Intermediate Tank Farm (ITF) in Tengakhat. The incident took place during maintenance work and caused severe burn injuries to several workers.
The death toll reached four on November 8, when worker Sailen Gogoi died during treatment at a private hospital in Dibrugarh. Three workers had died earlier.
All four deceased workers were employed by Spectron Engineering Private Limited, a Mumbai-based company engaged by Oil India.
Meanwhile, Oil India announced ex-gratia assistance of Rs 10 lakh for the next of kin of each deceased worker. It also announced Rs 5 lakh for each injured worker.
The AASU compensation demand seeks a substantially higher amount than the company’s announced assistance. It also includes employment support for the bereaved families.
Suspensions and Investigation Follow the Tragedy
Oil India has suspended four personnel at the facility following the incident. The group includes three officers and one employee. The company said the action related to alleged dereliction of official duties.
However, the suspensions do not establish the cause of the explosion or determine individual responsibility. Investigations are continuing to establish the circumstances that led to the fire.
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal has also urged the company to ensure proper treatment for the injured and provide compensation to bereaved families. He called for a high-level inquiry into the incident.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma is also monitoring developments. The state government and company management have been coordinating over medical care and assistance.
AASU Compensation Demand Puts Focus on Accountability
AASU has warned that it could intensify its agitation if Oil India fails to address its demands within a reasonable period. The delegation indicated that further protests may follow if the management does not respond positively.
The organisation’s demands place compensation, employment and medical support at the centre of the response to the Tengakhat tragedy. However, the immediate priority remains the recovery of injured workers and support for families who have lost loved ones.
The ongoing investigation will be important in establishing what caused the explosion and whether safety procedures were followed. Its findings may also help identify measures to prevent similar incidents.
For now, AASU is pressing Oil India to go beyond its announced ex-gratia payments. It wants substantial financial relief and lasting livelihood support for affected families, while injured workers receive the care they need.