Bhubaneswar: Three persons were killed due to a landslide at a manganese mine near Bichakundi Dalpahar under Joda police limits in Keonjhar district on Tuesday night.
The victims have been identified as Sandeep Purti, Guru Champia, and Kande Munda, all residents of Bichakundi.
According to sources, the bodies of the victims were recovered after a grueling six-hour rescue operation. Yesterday’s incessant heavy rainfall significantly impeded the rescue efforts, with the darkness and rain posing considerable challenges. The relentless rainfall in the region led to soil erosion, ultimately resulting in the devastating landslide.
The accident occurred when manganese was being mined illegally in the Baitarani protected forest. The incident has raised concerns about safety measures in mining operations in the area.
