Jajpur: Yet another labourer lost his life in wagon blasting in an illegal stone quarry inside Bichhakhandi forest under Dharmashala block in this district Friday.
The deceased was identified as Ajay Samal, 35, of Potua village under Taljanga panchayat. Another worker Basant Rout, 34, who sustained critical injuries in the blast, was admitted to Cuttack-based SCB Medical College and Hospital.
Ajay’s body was reportedly burnt instead of being sent for post-mortem to destroy evidence. Though Jenapur police registered a case in this regard, their action was limited to arresting Amulya Maharana, a staffer of the quarry, not the owner.
According to reports, clandestine wagon blasting was underway at an illegal stone quarry inside Bichhakhandi forest late Thursday night. The two workers didn’t get enough time to escape from the spot due to a sudden blast. While Ajay died on the spot after being hit by a few stones, Basant was thrown away to a distance. He is batting for his life at the hospital. So far, four workers have lost their lives in mishaps that took place during quarrying in the last two months. However, it is alleged the police have not arrested the main accused in the blast that occurred inside Balarampur reserved forest.
Police dubbed the incident as an accident caused by a tractor. The lives of workers are at stake due to illegal quarrying on land coming under reserved forest category, locals said.
According to reports, the police had arrested three persons in connection with the death of a worker named Dharanidhar Tarai in Maulabhanja reserved forest.
But, the death of Gunanidhi Mallik of Barkana village who was crushed under stones October 25 was attributed to a tractor accident. Attempts were made to suppress the matter by arresting Abhay Kumar Nayak, a tractor owner, it was learnt.
Similarly, another worker was also killed in a quarry in Dharmasala area. When asked about that incident, SDPO Jugalkishre Das had said a man was arrested over the incident and investigations were on.
Meanwhile, a delegation of BJP met Jenapur IIC Friday evening and sought action against the illegal wagon blast.
Police have expressed their helplessness in the case and they would take up the issue with the SP, the members of the delegation said. PNN