Hubballi: The Trade Union Coordination Centre and the Karnataka Trade Union Centre have demanded a detailed investigation into the boiler explosion at the sugar factory in Marakumbi village of Belagavi district, which claimed the lives of eight workers, reported The Hindu.
Addressing a press conference, Karnataka Trade Union Centre district general secretary Ashok Barki strongly criticised the incident and accused the factory management and officials from the factories and workers’ health department of negligence.
He alleged that the factory did not have a safety officer and that regular inspections were not carried out. According to him, proper safety steps could have prevented the loss of lives. He also claimed that inspections were not conducted due to pressure from factory owners.
The unions said they would press the government to order a thorough inquiry into the incident and take legal action against those responsible. They also demanded compensation of ₹50 lakh for each of the families of the deceased workers.
District vice president Venkatesh Pyati, treasurer Ashok Honnali, and organising secretary Jagadish Andemmamavar were present at the press conference.
