2 more bodies found, Bhiwani landslip toll five

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh/Bhiwani, Jan 2

A day after the landslide at Dadam mining zone in Tosham block of Bhiwani, two more bodies were recovered, taking the toll to five. The deceased were identified as Dinesh Dutt of Hoshiarpur and Dharambir of Bhaloth village in Rohtak.

A fact-finding committee headed by Additional Deputy Commissioner Rahul Narwal will conduct an inquiry into the incident and look into any possible violations in carrying out mining operations.

At least 70 members of the NDRF and the SDRF were deployed for the rescue operation. Deputy Commissioner RS Dhillon said, “A case will be registered against the contractor.” Jarnail Singh (50), an eyewitness, said he was at the site when he saw the landslide near pit number 37-38. “A thick blanket of dust had enveloped the site. There was a change in shift at 8 am, which was why not many workers were present. This was the first-of-its-kind incident since I started working here over two decades ago,” he said.

Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar said all clearances for mining were given by the central department. “Once a detailed investigation is carried out, we will take action against the guilty,” he said. Contractor Vedpal Tanwar, a representative of Govardhan Mines, said they had sublet the site to Kumkum Mines.