SUBHASH MISHRA
Dhanbad, Aug 8: One villager was killed and another seriously injured during alleged illegal mining at the active Raja Colliery open-cast mine in the Mugma Area of Eastern Coalfields Limited (ECL), under Nirsa police station, approximately 35 km from Dhanbad district headquarters.
Villagers Claim Roof Collapse
Local Mukhia Dinesh Singh stated the incident occurred between 2 pm and 3 pm on Friday. According to him, villagers were illegally collecting coal when the mine roof collapsed. The mine is reportedly operated by an outsourcing company.
Police Denial
Despite these claims, police officials have denied that such an incident took place at the colliery. Sub-Inspector Gaurav Kumar Singh said no report had been received as of 7:30 pm, though police were investigating the matter.
Victims Identified
The deceased has been identified as Babu Gorai of Birsipur village under Nirsa police station. He died on the spot. The injured, Mangal Gorai, also from Birsipur, was reportedly taken by villagers to a private hospital in Asansol, West Bengal, for treatment.
No Official Visit to Site
As of 8:30 pm, no police official or representative from ECL’s Mugma Colliery Area had visited the site for inspection.
