Dibrugarh, Dec 14: Tinsukia police have arrested two persons for allegedly illegally sending labourers from Assam to Arunachal Pradesh, linked to a fatal road accident in which at least 21 labourers lost their lives.
The arrested accused 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 arrests are connected to the tragic accident on December 8, 2025, when a truck carrying labourers to a construction site in Anjaw district of Arunachal Pradesh skidded off the Hayuliang–Metengliang–Chaglagam (HMC) road near Chaglagam Circle under Hayuliang subdivision, plunging into a gorge nearly 700 metres deep.
The truck was carrying 22 persons, including the driver. According to police, 20 bodies had been recovered till Sunday morning, while rescue operations were continuing amid extremely difficult terrain.
Tinsukia Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Mayank Kumar Jha said the victims were transported to the neighbouring state without following mandatory safety and legal protocols.
“During the investigation, it was found that the labourers were transported illegally without proper documentation or safety measures. A case has been registered at Tinsukia Sadar Police Station and an investigation was launched,” the SSP said.
Police have registered Case No. 432/2025 under Sections 143(3) (human trafficking), 105 (culpable homicide), 125B (endangering life 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 matter.
“We are investigating the entire chain involved in the incident, and more arrests are likely in the coming days,” the SSP added.
Both accused were produced before a local court on Sunday, and police sought their remand.
“We have sought remand and expect to gather crucial information during further investigation,” an official said.
Meanwhile, the bodies of six workers killed in the accident were brought back to Assam and cremated at Gelaphakuri Tea Estate in Tinsukia district on Saturday evening, amid scenes of grief.
The deceased were identified as Abhay Bhumij (33), Sanjay Kumar (36), Junash Munda (20), Agor Tanti (24), Rajni Nag (24) and Rahul Kumar (25).
The bodies were formally received at Tinsukia Medical College by District Commissioner Swapneel Paul and SSP Mayank Kumar Jha. Assam Minister Bimal Borah and Tinsukia MLA Sanjay Keshan were also present during the handover.
Officials said the rescue operation was among the most challenging in recent times, involving teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Border Roads Organisation (BRO), the Indian Army, and the Anjaw district administration.
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