Dhenkanal: A worker was killed in an explosion at a black granite quarry near Kashipur Lahada village under Gondia block and Nihalprasad police limits in Dhenkanal district Sunday.
The victim was identified as Jitu Tiria, 24, a tribal resident of Balikiari village. He died instantly when a sudden explosion shattered a drill bit that pierced his chest. Police recovered the body and sent it to the district headquarters hospital here for post-mortem.
This has raised renewed concerns over unsafe mining practices in the region. Tiria’s wife, Jamuna, lodged a complaint at Nihalprasad police station.
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Police registered a case (250/25) under Section 105(3) of the BNS against quarry operators Ananta Nayak and Bablu Nayak over the complaint.
Police said an investigation is underway. The incident has stirred public anger with locals questioning whether the quarry was operating legally. Authorities have not yet clarified its status.
The blast has also led to growing resentment against the Mining department, local administration and police, who are accused of ignoring safety norm violations and shielding quarry owners despite repeated accidents.
Just a few days back, a labourer was killed at a stone quarry at Gundurapashi near Indipur village under Sadar police limits. The incident had sparked protests and a road blockade, underscoring the mounting risks faced by labourers in Dhenkanal’s unsafe mines.
PNN
