Duliajan: A fire broke out at Oil India Ltd's two wells near Jutlibari under Duliajan police station in Upper Assam's Dibrugarh district around 11pm on Saturday while thieves were trying to steal oil from the wells.

Sources said thieves tried to steal condensed oil from well number 576 by opening a valve. The oil caught fire and also spread to a nearby well.

A bicycle which was being used by the thieves caught fire. Fire tenders from OIL immediately rushed to the site.

The wells are situated near Duliajan MLA Terosh Gowala's residence, a distance of around 300 metres.

Gowala said, "I am aware of the incident. I placed the matter before chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal who immediately spoke to the deputy commissioners of Dibrugarh and Tinsukia. Twelve fire tenders from both the districts succeeded in putting out the fire after seven hours."

Gowala also condemned the authorities of Oil India Ltd for their negligence as there were no security personnel posted at the wells and they had no boundary walls.

The MLA said he was in the process of preparing a report and it would be placed before the Union petroleum ministry at the earliest.

Tengakhat revenue circle officer Ashutosh Deka and officials from OIL have reached the site.