SONBHADRA (UP): The number of fatalities in the Sonbhadra stone quarry collapse has increased to four after three more bodies were pulled out from the debris late Sunday night, officials confirmed on Monday.
According to District Magistrate BN Singh, one body was found during the night, identified as 30-year-old Indrajit of Panari, Obra. The identities of the other two victims are still being verified.
The quarry, operated by Krishna Mining Works, caved in on Saturday evening. Additional Director General of Police (Varanasi Zone) Piyush Mordia stated that the rescue operation was progressing slowly due to massive boulders obstructing the clearing process.
Sonbhadra Superintendent of Police Abhishek Verma said the police were alerted around 4:30 pm on Saturday by a caller reporting that several labourers had been buried when a large portion of the mine collapsed.
Following a complaint by Parsoi Tola resident Chhotu Yadav — whose two brothers are still missing — police have registered a case against the quarry owner and partners Madhusudan Singh and Dilip Keshari, all from Obra. The accused remain absconding.
Robertsganj MP Chotelal Kharwar of the Samajwadi Party alleged that the mine was operating illegally under the protection of a mining mafia with links to local authorities. He claimed that between 12 and 15 workers may still be trapped and accused officials of turning a blind eye to frequent mining-related accidents in the region.
Kharwar also said that police prevented him from meeting the families of the trapped workers. He demanded compensation of ₹50 lakh for each victim’s family along with a government job for one family member.
