At least four people were killed and six others injured when an illegal coal mine collapsed in the Kuju area of Ramgarh district in Jharkhand on Saturday.
According to local residents, on most days, many villagers were engaged in illegal mining activity to extract coal at the site. Suddenly, debris collapsed from above, burying 12 people underneath.
Following the incident, chaos broke out in the area. With the help of villagers and the administration, those trapped under the debris were rescued, but four had already lost their lives.
The deceased have been identified as Nirmal Munda (42), Vakil Karmali (55), Imtiyaz Ansari (38), and Rameshwar Manjhi (35). The injured include Rozida Khatun (35), Sarita Devi (40), and Arun Manjhi (22), who are currently receiving treatment at local hospitals.
Angry villagers, accusing Central Coalfields Limited (CCL) of negligence, began a protest with the bodies in front of the Karma project office, demanding compensation.
They alleged that CCL had left the mine open, prompting poor villagers to extract coal for fuel and livelihood. They claimed the accident could have been avoided had the mine been properly barricaded and secured.
Villagers further alleged that CCL failed to adhere to the guidelines issued by the Directorate General of Mines Safety (DGMS). Despite blasting and the removal of overburden in the mine, no safety arrangements were made, making it easy for unauthorised persons to enter the site.
The protesters demanded compensation of Rs 20 lakh for the families of the deceased and Rs 5 lakh for the injured, while also accusing CCL of gross negligence.
They also called for a murder case to be registered against CCL. A tense atmosphere prevails outside the office due to the ongoing protest, and a heavy police presence has been deployed at the site.
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