Sonbhadra Mining Tragedy Deepens as Death Toll Climbs to Four
The mining disaster in Uttar Pradesh's Sonbhadra district took a grim turn on Monday as rescue teams recovered three additional bodies from the debris of a collapsed stone quarry, bringing the total death toll to four confirmed fatalities.
According to Sonbhadra District Magistrate BN Singh, the recoveries were made during the overnight operations between Sunday and Monday. One victim has been identified as Indrajit (30), a resident of Panari, Obra, while the other two bodies remain unidentified as authorities continue efforts to establish their identities.
Rescue Operations Face Significant Challenges
The rescue mission at the Billi Markundi mining area has been hampered by difficult conditions since the collapse occurred on Saturday evening. Varanasi Zone ADG Piyush Mordia confirmed that removal of debris is progressing slowly due to numerous large boulders obstructing clearance work.
Local MLA and Uttar Pradesh minister Sanjeev Kumar Gond, who visited the accident site, expressed grave concerns about the scale of the tragedy. "Around a dozen labourers might be trapped under the debris," Gond stated, highlighting the uncertainty surrounding the exact number of missing workers.
Police authorities received the initial alert about the collapse around 4:30 pm on Saturday at the Obra Police Station. The incident occurred when part of a stone quarry operated by Krishna Mining Works suddenly gave way, trapping multiple workers beneath the rubble according to the initial caller.
Political Allegations and Legal Action
Samajwadi Party's Robertsganj MP, Chotelal Kharwar, leveled serious allegations regarding the operation of the mine, claiming it was illegally run by mining mafia in collusion with local police. Kharwar stated, "Tribals are being killed in many ways, and large-scale illegal mining is being carried out in this area. One or two such incidents occur every month in this region."
The MP further asserted that unlawful mining activities were continuing with the cooperation of certain police and administrative officials. He also reported that police prevented him from visiting the families of the trapped workers.
In response to the tragedy, police have registered a case against the owner of Krishna Mining Works and his business partners, Madhusudan Singh and Dilip Keshari, both residents of Obra. The complaint was filed by Chhotu Yadav, a resident of Parsoi Tola, who reported that his two brothers are among those trapped under the rubble. All three accused individuals remain at large.
Government Response and Compensation Promise
Minister Gond, who visited the site along with district officials, assured that the circumstances under which the mine was operating will be thoroughly investigated. "Strict action will be taken against those found guilty. We stand with the families of the victims," he affirmed.
The minister also promised that ex-gratia compensation would be provided to those affected by the tragedy, describing the incident as "very sad." Meanwhile, MP Kharwar has demanded ₹50 lakh in compensation for each victim's family along with a government job for one member of each affected household.
As relief operations continue with district magistrate, superintendent of police and other officials present at the spot, the community awaits news about the remaining potentially trapped workers while questions mount about mining safety regulations and enforcement in the region.
