Chikkaballapur quarry blast: Karnataka Home Minister Basavaraj Bommai orders CID inquiry

According to Karnataka Police, at least six people have died and another has sustained injuries in the blast at Chikkaballapur district last night. They were killed when gelatin sticks that they were trying to dispose of exploded accidentally at a stone quarry site.

Chikkaballapur: Karnataka government on Tuesday (February 23) ordered a Crime Investigation Department (CID) inquiry in the quarry blast at Hirenagavalli in Chikkaballapur, said state Home Minister Basavaraj Bommai.

According to Karnataka Police, at least six people have died and another has sustained injuries in the blast at Chikkaballapur district last night.

ANI quoted Bommai saying, "CID inquiry ordered in quarry blast at Hirenagavalli in Chikkaballapur today."

Dr K Sudhakar, Chikkaballapura district in-charge, who visited the spot on Tuesday (February 23) said, "I am shocked by the incident. These are illegally held explosives. Strict action will be taken against the culprits.” 

Karnataka Mines and Geology Minister Murugesh Nirani has earlier said that the government will conduct an investigation and take action against those involved. 

He also said that the government will provide all necessary assistance to the kin of the deceased and the injured.

The District Collector (DC), Superintendent of Police (SP), and other senior officials are already at the spot and assessing the situation.

Nirani further said that the government has been taking stringent measures against illegal mining activities, transportation, and storage of explosives used for mining.

The death of 6 people near Hirenagavalli village, Chikkaballapur, due to a gelatin blast is shocking. District in-charge minister and senior officials instructed to conduct a thorough probe and take stern action against the culprits, Karnataka CM BS Yediyurappa said.