Keonjhar, Jul 2: Tragedy struck near Dalpahad area under Joda police limits, where a section of an illegal manganese mine caved in, claiming the lives of three local miners.

According to reports, the incident took place on Tuesday afternoon while unauthorised excavation was underway in the protected forest zone of the Baitarani Reserve. As the illegal extraction was underway, a large portion of earth caved in, trapping the workers beneath tons of debris.

The victims—identified as Sandeep Purti, Guru Champia, and Kande Munda, all residents of the Bichakundi area—were reportedly engaged in illegal mining when a massive portion of soil caved in, burying them alive.

On being informed, rescue team reached the spot and after six hours or efforts, the bodies were recovered.

The unauthorised activity within the ecologically sensitive forest area has raised serious concerns about recurring illegal mining practices in the region. Officials have yet to release an official statement, but local authorities are expected to launch a formal investigation into the violation of forest and mining laws.


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