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5 die in Shivamogga quarry blast, political charges fly

The deceased are said to be migrants workers from Bihar

blast site shivamogga ani The blast site at Shivamogga | Twitter handle of ANI

Five labourers were killed after a truck loaded with gelatin sticks exploded at a stone quarry in Hunasodu village in Karnataka’s Shivamogga on Thursday night. The deceased are said to be migrants workers from Bihar.

The huge explosion caused panic among the villagers in Shivamogga, the chief minister's home district, and also neighbouring districts. Many houses were damaged in the nearby villages as the doors were rattled and the window panes were shattered due to the high-intensity blast. The blast site has been cordoned off and a bomb-disposal squad has been called in as there could be live explosives in the area.

Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa announced compensation of Rs 5 lakh each to the families of the deceased. "The police is investigating the case and we will know the truth soon. No guilty persons will be spared. Earlier too, we have come across illegal mining cases and taken action. We will initiate appropriate action to prevent the repeat of such incidents," said Yediyurappa.

The local residents allege that it is a case of illegal mining and is being supported by politicians and the police. The police have arrested three persons—Avinash, Sudhakar and Narasimha (a JD(S) leader).

The lorry that exploded was loaded with gelatin sticks brought from Tamil Nadu to blast the rocks. But there was no permission given to blast the rocks.

"Pained by the loss of lives in Shivamogga. Condolences to the bereaved families. Praying that the injured recover soon. The State Government is providing all possible assistance to the affected," tweeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Political charges

Former MLA Prasanna Kumar has demanded a CBI probe into the incident. "The district in-charge minister's neglect is responsible for this tragedy. He should resign. The government must give compensation to the families whose houses have been damaged due to the blast. Can you imagine a lorry carrying explosives entering the district without anybody noticing it?" asked Kumar, adding that no one has been given permission to blast the rocks.

"I heard the lorry driver was planning to take a tea break. Imagine what would have happened if the explosion had taken place in the middle of the town," asked Kumar.

BJP MLC Ayanur Manjunath claimed that 50 per cent of mining in the district was illegal. "Illegal mining mafia is a huge lobby and supported by leaders of all the political parties. There is a need for a major crackdown on these mines and quarries," said Manjunath.

"A section of people, including politicians and their benamis, are indulging in illegal mining to make quick and easy money.  The government must take stern action against them and stop the illegal activities, which have claimed the lives of the poor people," said JD(S) leader and former chief minister H.D. Kumaraswamy.

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