Landslide at mining site in Hisar kills three

Blurb: 8-10 workers feared trapped, rescue op on

Box: BJP MP, Oppn leaders allege illegal digging

Ex-CM BS Hooda and other leaders allege illegal mining and demanded a judicial inquiry

Dharambir Singh, BJP MP, too claims illegal mining led to the incident

Bhiwani SP Ajit Singh Shekhawat says there is no report of illegal mining in area

Deepender Deswal

Tribune News Service

Hisar, January 1

Three persons died, two injured and around eight to 10 persons were feared trapped under the debris after a landslide at Dadam mining zone in Tosham block of Bhiwani district today. Teams of the NDRF, SFRF and Army rushed to the spot to rescue those missing.

The incident took place at 9 am when huge boulders at the site adjoining a forest area at Dadam caved in. The site is covered by forest on both sides.

Officials said the deceased were identified as Sanjay of Jind, Vijender of Tosham and Tufan Singh of Jharkhand. There was no confirmation on the number of persons buried under the debris.

The mishap occurred a day after the resumption of mining operations in the area, which was closed as per the NGT directions due to air pollution.

Bhiwani SP Ajit Singh Shekhawat said three persons had been confirmed dead and two missing. “Efforts are on to rescue the workers. We don’t have the exact number of those missing,” he said. He said they would take action after the rescue operation. He claimed prima facie there was no report of illegal mining as the firm engaged in the work had a valid contract.

A number of ruling and Opposition party leaders alleged illegal mining led to the incident. Former CM Bhupinder Singh Hooda demanded a probe. “Illegal mining is being done in the area, but the government is mum. We demand a judicial inquiry into the scam,” he said.

Dharambir Singh, BJP MP from Bhiwani-Mahendragarh, visited the site and alleged illegal mining led to the incident. Tosham MLA Kiran Choudhary demanded compensation for the affected families and strict action against the guilty. Ved Pal Tanwar, a representative of Goverdhan Mines, denied the illegal mining charge and termed the incident a mishap.