Shivamogga blast: Congress demands probe by sitting HC Judge
Bengaluru: Opposition Congress in Karnataka on Saturday demanded a probe by a sitting High Court Judge into the explosion at a stone quarry near Shivamogga which led to loss of precious lives.
It also demanded that all illegal quarrying or mining in the state be stopped immediately.
"The family of those killed should be given compensation judiciously. Not just announcing Rs 5 lakh, they should also be given a job," Leader of the Opposition and senior Congress leader Siddaramaiah said.
Speaking to reporters here, he said the blast would have to be inquired into by a sitting judge of the High Court of Karnataka.
"All illegal quarrying or mining in the state have to be stopped immediately," he added.
The Chief Minister had, on Friday, announced Rs 5 lakh to the families of the deceased and ordered a high-level probe into the incident.
At least five people were killed in the explosion at a stone quarry on the outskirts of Shivamogga city on Thursday night. Gelatin sticks are said to have led to the blast.
"According to my information, the explosive materials were brought in from Andhra Pradesh without any permission which is an offence and not storing them safely is a second offence," Siddaramaiah said, adding: There is also no accountability or responsibility on the part of officials.
Senior BJP leader and MLC Ayanur Manjunath himself has said a lot of illegal mining and quarrying activities have been going on in Shivamogga, the home district of Chief Minister Yediyurappa, he said.
This shows total failure of the administration, he said.
"Yediyurappa and district (Shivamogga) in-charge Minister K S Eshwarappa should own up," he said.
Earlier, Yediyurappa said illegal quarrying or mining would not be allowed in the state and necessary action would be taken against such activities.
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4 workers die after being buried under coal slurry in Jharkhand's Dhanbad
Dhanbad (Jharkhand) (PTI): At least four workers died after being buried under coal slurry in Jharkhand's Dhanbad district on Saturday, a police official said.
The incident took place at Moonidih coal washery in the command area of Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL).
"Bodies of all four workers were dug out of debris during a rescue operation," Putki police station in-charge Waqar Hussain told PTI.
The incident took place when coal slurry was being loaded into trucks by workers, during which a large chunk of slurry fell and trapped several workers underneath, officials said.
The deceased have been identified as Manik Bauri, Dinesh Bauri, Deepak Bauri, and Hemlal Gope.
Meanwhile, the family members of the deceased and local villagers placed the bodies in front of the washery gate and began a protest.
They demanded compensation, jobs for dependents and action against those responsible for the incident.
Police and administration officials are trying to pacify the protesters, an official said.
