Dhenkanal: Stepping up the probe into the death of two workers after reported blasting at an illegal stone quarry in Odisha’s Dhenkanal district, police on Monday detained two persons in connection with the incident.
The police action comes a day after two labourers were killed after huge rocks collapsed during alleged blasting at the quarry located at Gopalpur under the jurisdiction of Motanga police station in the district on Sunday.
Sources said those detained by the police include blasting operator Chhabindra Mahakud and one of his associates. Both were being questioned at Motanga police station as part of the ongoing investigation.
As per preliminary investigation, the blast occurred on Saturday night at the stone quarry, where two labourers lost their lives. The deceased were identified as Abhi Singh, 25, from Balasore and Budhu Munda, 23, from Keonjhar. Their bodies were recovered on Sunday from beneath a mound of rock and soil following an intense search and rescue operation.
Police said the workers were drilling holes for blasting when a large rock fell on them. The incident triggered a collapse of loose earth at the site. No other worker was present at the quarry at the time of the accident, they said.
Fire Service personnel, assisted by Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) teams, carried out the rescue operation. Heavy machinery was used to clear the debris. The District Collector and the Superintendent of Police visited the spot to review the situation and assess safety conditions at the quarry.
The quarry was reportedly operating without valid permission and that blasting activities were being conducted illegally. The incident has brought renewed focus on unauthorised mining practices in the area.
Following the mishap, a case has been registered against the quarry owner and further investigation is in progress, Dhenkanal Superintendent of Police Abhinav Sonkar said.
