BELAGAVI: A tragic boiler accident at Inamdar Sugars in Marakumbi, Bailhongal taluk, has claimed the lives of three workers and left five others critically injured, police said. The incident occurred at the factory’s Number 1 compartment under the jurisdiction of the Muragoda police station, officials confirmed.
Preliminary reports indicate that the accident happened during wall repair work in the boiler area. Hot materials from the boiler reportedly fell on the workers, causing severe burns and fatal injuries. Emergency services were immediately called to the scene following the mishap.
Fatalities and injuries
The deceased have been identified as Deepak Munavalli (31) from Nesaragi village, Bailhongal taluk; Sudarshan Banoshi (25) from Chikkamunavalli, Khanapur taluk; and Akshay Chopde (45) from Jamkhandi. Authorities have cautioned that the death toll may rise as rescue and recovery operations continue.
The injured workers include Bharat Basappa Sarawadi (27) from Godachinmalki village, Gokak taluk; Raghavendra Gilihosur (35) from Gokak city; Manju Teradal (35) from Athani; Manju Kajgar (28) from Aravalli village, Bailhongal taluk; and Guru Tammanna from Mareguddi village, Bagalkote district. All five have suffered serious burn injuries and have been rushed for immediate medical treatment.
Emergency response and medical treatment
The injured were transported under “zero traffic” measures from Bailhongal to a private hospital in Belagavi to ensure swift medical attention. Due to the severity of burns, all victims were admitted to intensive care units. The swift medical response was coordinated by local authorities and hospital staff to stabilise the victims en route.
Inamdar Sugars, owned by Vikram Inamdar, son of former minister DB Inamdar, operates multiple sugar processing units in the region. The factory has been temporarily shut down following the incident, while investigations are launched and safety assessments are conducted.
Police investigation and official statements
District Police Superintendent K. Ramarajan personally visited the private hospital in Belagavi to inspect the condition of the injured workers. Speaking to the media, he said, “The accident occurred around 2 p.m. at the Inamdar Sugars factory. Eight workers sustained injuries due to hot materials falling on them. One victim was admitted to Bailhongal hospital, while the remaining were transferred to Belagavi private facilities under zero-traffic conditions. The exact cause of the accident is not yet known. A formal investigation will be conducted based on complaint and evidence collected from the site.”
Authorities have assured that the incident is being treated with the utmost seriousness and that a detailed probe is underway to determine whether lapses in safety protocols or procedural errors contributed to the accident. Factory management has also pledged full cooperation with police and regulatory authorities.
