Joda: Even as illegal stone mining is rampant in some parts of Joda block in Keonjhar district, a labourer died after being pressed under a stone in a quarry at Kaliabeda Sunday.
The deceased was identified as Birasingh Munda (45). Reports said Birasingh was working in the stone quarry at 8 am when a huge stone came crashing down on him. He was crushed to death.
Bileipada police seized the body and registered a case of unnatural death, said outpost officer Naresh Kumar Das.
Locals alleged stone mining has been going on for a long time under the very nose of the revenue department.
Barbil tehsildar Khirod Kumar Behera said raids are being conducted on illegal stone quarries. After a raid, the mafia keeps quiet for some time, but resumes its illegal activity again, Behera added.