A coal mine blast killed one person and trapped several others in Jharkhand’s Ramgarh district on Saturday, prompting authorities to launch a high-level inquiry. According to police and district officials, the mine collapse occurred early in the morning at the Karma site, located within the limits of Central Coalfields Limited (CCL).
“We came to know about the accident in the morning. An administration team has been dispatched to the location to examine the issue,” Ramgarh Deputy Commissioner (DC) Faiz Aq Ahmed Mumtaz informed news agency PTI.
One Body Recovered, Rescue Work Underway
Rescue teams are actively working at the site, and authorities have confirmed the recovery of one body from the location.
“Rescue operation is in progress as there are chances of more people being trapped,” said Ashutosh Kumar Singh, in-charge of Kuju Police Outpost.
Officials Attribute Incident to Illegal Mining
Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Anurag Tiwari confirmed the mine collapse within the CCL boundary but blamed the reason on illegal mining.
“This accident took place on the periphery of Central Coalfields Limited (CCL). We have arrived at the location of the mine collapse. Every nook and corner is being examined, after which the reason, casualties, and injuries can be determined. This is a case of illegal mining in CCL,” Tiwari informed ANI.
Various groups continue to operate illegal mining activities in coal-rich areas of Jharkhand, running unregulated operations alongside authorized mining zones.
BJP Accuses Soren Government of Nexus with Coal Mafia
Meanwhile, the BJP Jharkhand state president Babulal Marandi launched a strong attack on the Soren government. He further accused it of turning a blind eye to the expanding network of coal mafia.
“Lives of people are risked for mining, and when the mines collapse, human lives are lost. It is all done directly under the administration’s eye. There are various mafias involved in the illegal coal mining in a very systematic manner. There is also a syndicate of coal loot running parallel. The government is aware of everything,” Marandi informed the media.
While rescue efforts are ongoing, there is growing pressure on state governments to act firmly against illegal mining and the perpetrators of the disaster.