SUBHASH MISHRA
Dhanbad, August 2: The search operation for individuals allegedly trapped in illegal mining activity within the abandoned underground mines of Block-2, operated by Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL), remained suspended for the sixth consecutive day today. The suspension continued as the lone, non-functional JCB at the site had still not been repaired as of Saturday morning.
Rescue Hampered by Faulty Machinery
Officials from BCCL and members of the mines rescue team visited the site once again today. However, upon finding the JCB still inoperative, they left without carrying out any further action. None of the officials present were willing to comment on whether the search had been formally called off or if an alternative JCB would be deployed.
Officials Silent, Security Forces Withdrawn
Repeated calls to GC Saha, General Manager of BCCL’s Block-2, have gone unanswered since Wednesday. Additionally, both the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) and local police personnel have been withdrawn from the area.
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The alleged incident, in which several individuals are believed to have become trapped during illegal mining operations, occurred on the evening of July 22 in the abandoned underground shafts of Block-2—approximately 45 km from the district headquarters.
Initially, both BCCL management and district police dismissed the incident as a rumour. However, following agitation led by Giridih MP CP Choudhary (AJSU), a joint search operation was launched by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the BCCL Mines Rescue Team on July 25.
The NDRF, however, was forced to halt its efforts on July 27 due to heavy rainfall. The following day, the only JCB engaged in the operation developed a mechanical fault, bringing the rescue efforts to a standstill.
MP’s Pressure Sparks Action, But Progress Halts
Block-2 colliery falls under the Baghmara block in Dhanbad, which is part of the Giridih Lok Sabha constituency. MP CP Choudhary, who staged a sit-in protest demanding a proper search operation, has since allocated funds from his MP development quota to support the rescue effort.
Choudhary also released the names of five individuals from Giridih and Jamtara districts who are believed to be trapped in the mines. However, as of August 2, no family members have come forward at the site to support the search or identify the missing persons.
