SILCHAR, ASSAM – A tragic industrial accident and subsequent claims of corporate evasion have ignited a major labour and safety crisis in the Cachar district, demanding immediate intervention from state authorities.
On November 30th, truck driver Sanidul Islam, a resident of Barpeta, suffered life-altering injuries after an RCC (Reinforced Cement Concrete) electric pole fell from his vehicle onto his left foot during the unloading process at Bartal Bazaar, Badarpur. The poles originated from the manufacturing unit of CANARY POLES PRIVATE LIMITED in Shildubi Grant, Silchar.
Despite being rushed to Silchar Medical College and Hospital and later referred to Guwahati for critical care, Mr. Islam ultimately lost his foot. The victim, who is the sole provider for his wife and young child, now faces a devastating future.
Corporate Evasion and Allegations of ‘Zero Safety’
The tragedy has been compounded by severe allegations against the company management:
Evading Responsibility: Mr. Islam’s family has publicly accused the directors of CANARY POLES PRIVATE LIMITED—a company whose registered office is in Kolkata—of deliberately employing delay tactics and engaging in prevarication when approached to provide statutory compensation under the Employees’ Compensation Act, 1923.
Systemic Safety Failure: Angered by the company’s lack of response, local labourers and residents visited the Shildubi Grant factory and reported finding “no safety measure” inside the premises whatsoever. They allege the factory operates with a mindset that takes “no responsibility for the labours.” Furthermore, factory officials were reportedly absent during the protest visit.
The combination of negligence leading to maiming, compounded by alleged non-cooperation from the company’s directors (Venkat Maloo, Ashok Kumar Maloo), has led to the powerful “industrial homicide” outcry from the local community.
Family Vows Court Battle; Protesters Threaten Shutdown
Faced with a complete stonewall from the pole manufacturer, Mr. Islam’s family has issued a stark warning: they are preparing to appear before the court to sue the company and secure justice and compensation for the permanent disability caused by clear negligence.
Meanwhile, the protesting labourers and residents have escalated the crisis by issuing an ultimatum: They have warned that they will immediately shut down the CANARY POLES PRIVATE LIMITED facility in Shildubi Grant and prevent its operation until fair and adequate compensation is paid to the victim driver.
Urgent Call for Administrative Intervention
This incident is a direct test of regulatory compliance in the Cachar district. The authorities are being urged to treat this matter with the utmost urgency:
Immediate Investigation: The Cachar District Administration and the Directorate of Industrial Safety and Health (DISH) must dispatch a Factory Inspector to the Shildubi Grant unit immediately to verify the grave allegations of Factories Act, 1948 violations.
Compensation Mandate: The Labour Commission must initiate proceedings to ensure the company provides mandatory compensation to Mr. Islam, ending the alleged delay tactics.
Accountability: Officials must track down and hold the factory managers and directors accountable for the systemic safety failures that have cost a worker his limb and threatened his family’s future.
The community awaits a strong and immediate public statement from the District Collector on the actions being taken to ensure justice for Sanidul Islam and to restore safety standards at the Shildubi industrial unit.
