Assam: Rig tragedy in Naharkatia claims life of contract worker, another injured, probe ordered into equipment negligence

A fatal industrial mishap at an Oil India Limited (OIL) rig site in Bahdhari, Naharkatia in Assam has claimed the life of a senior contract worker and left another critically injured, prompting widespread concern over safety lapses and the use of outdated drilling equipment.

 

The incident occurred late Sunday night at the OIL M-1 rig situated near NHK-40 in Bahdhari. The rig, operated under contract by Asian Drilltech, was conducting routine drilling operations when a massive drilling pipe slipped and fell on-site drilling In-Charge Kiran Gogoi, killing him on the spot. Gogoi, a resident of Kuwarijan village in Hudurpara, Naharkatia, also served as the President of BJP’s Kisan Morcha in the Naharkatia Mandal and was a key political functionary in the region.

 

Another worker, Mohan Sonowal of Tengakhat, sustained serious injuries in the same incident and was rushed along with Gogoi to the Oil Hospital in Duliajan. While doctors declared Gogoi brought dead, Sonowal’s critical condition led to his emergency transfer to a private hospital in Dibrugarh for advanced medical treatment.

 

Asian Drilltech employees Mintu Saikia and Asiq Rahman, both from Duliajan, were supervising the operations on behalf of the contractor firm. The company has not issued a public statement so far.

 

Local residents and oilfield workers have alleged that the accident may have resulted from the use of outdated and potentially unsafe equipment. The concerns have intensified calls for rigorous safety audits of contractor-operated rigs in the region.

 

Upon receiving news of the incident, Naharkatia MLA Taranga Gogoi visited the accident site and met with the victim's family. The legislator demanded a magisterial-level probe into the incident and immediate compensation for the bereaved family. He also raised strong questions regarding OIL’s contractor oversight mechanisms and the continued use of obsolete machinery in critical operations.

 

Meanwhile, a team from Naharkatia Police has launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the accident and potential liabilities.