Chikbalpur (Karnataka): Six people were killed in a blast early Tuesday while removing gelatin sticks in a stone mine. Health Minister of Karnataka and MLA from Chikkabalpur Sudhakar reached the spot.
He said that the bodies were in a very bad condition. According to police, the incident took place at Hiranagavalli near Parasandra. The police stopped excavation here on February 7 after locals complained of excessive use of gelatin sticks, but work continued in the area illegally. A few days ago a raid was also conducted here and the contractor was warned not to use gelatin.
He said that the incident happened on Tuesday morning when these people were trying to remove gelatin sticks. Meanwhile, Sudhakar said that stern action will be taken against the owners of the mines which possess explosives illegally. He said that the police is investigating the case.