Particle.news

Four Mine Officials Arrested Over Sonbhadra Quarry Collapse That Killed Seven

Police say excessive drilling weakened the pit, with required DGMS reporting and worker safety instructions ignored.

Overview

  • An SIT arrested the mine manager and three mine staff on November 21 after probing the November 15 collapse at M/s Krishna Mining Works in Sonbhadra.
  • All four were booked for culpable homicide not amounting to murder following findings of gross negligence and statutory non‑compliance.
  • Investigators reported that excessive drilling beyond permissible limits destabilized the quarry and triggered the rock fall.
  • During interrogation, the accused admitted they failed to submit mandatory DGMS reports, did not flag irregular drilling or explosives use, and gave no safety briefings.
  • An FIR remains in place against the mine owner Madhusudan Singh and contractor Dilip Kesari, with police indicating further arrests are likely as the inquiry continues.