Ramgarh (Jharkhand): At least four people have been confirmed dead, and several others are feared trapped after a portion of an abandoned coal mine collapsed in Jharkhand’s Ramgarh district on Saturday during illegal mining activity, according to police officials.
The incident occurred at a mine belonging to Central Coalfields Limited (CCL). While relief and rescue operations began early in the morning, villagers reportedly removed three bodies before authorities arrived at the scene.
“The company has its own security personnel to stop such illegal activities. We extended our cooperation to CCL after we received the information,” said SP Ajay Kumar.
Kuju Police Outpost in-charge Ashutosh Kumar Singh added, “More people are suspected to be trapped. The incident occurred during illegal coal mining by some local villagers.”
A team from the district administration is conducting rescue operations, while villagers have staged a protest near the CCL Karma Project office, demanding accountability.
Reacting sharply, Jharkhand BJP president and Leader of Opposition Babulal Marandi called for a high-level probe.
“I am deeply saddened by this news. Many of our labourer brothers are feared to be buried in illegal coal mines. I pray to God for their safety and express my deepest condolences to the bereaved families,” he said in a post on X.
Marandi further alleged that the incident was not an accident but a result of governmental negligence.
“This is due to the negligence of the corrupt and incompetent government, which turns a blind eye to the illegal business going on in broad daylight,” he said, claiming that coal mafias had reopened the mine after it was closed by CCL.
Authorities have not yet disclosed the exact number of people trapped. Rescue efforts are ongoing.