SUBHASH MISHRA
Dhanbad, April 16: Two tribal women were buried alive when a heap of soil caved in on them while digging clay in Velwabera near Tundi Pahad under Maniyadih police station, around 35 km from here.
The deceased were identified as Petition Devi (30), wife of Chutulal Marandi, and Shanti Devi ( 25), wife of Prem Prakash Marandi.
Incident occurred on Monday
Maniyadih police station officer-in-charge Shiv Kumar said the incident occurred around 5 pm on Monday. Petition Devi died on the spot, while Shanti Devi succumbed to her injury during treatment at Shahid Nirmal Mahto Medical College Hospital (SNMMCH) Dhanbad.
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Villagers said four women dug clay in a deep tunnel to plaster their house. Suddenly, a heap of clay caved in, trapping all four women in the debris. Two minor injured women emerged from the debris and informed the villagers about the incident.
Villagers alleged that police were also duly informed of the rescue. Since the area is Naxal-influenced, police did not reach the spot due to the darkness.
However, villagers brought out both women from the debris. Petition Devi was already dead on the spot. Shanti Devi was brought to SNMMCH Dhanbad in critical condition and died during treatment.