K’taka: 6 killed while disposing explosives

POLICE SAID PRELIMINARY INVESTIGATION INDICATED USE OF PETROLEUM GEL AND AMMONIUM NITRATE IN THE QUARRY THAT WAS OPERATING CLANDESTINELY

BENGALURU/CHIKKABALLAPUR: Six people were killed when the gelatin sticks they were trying to dispose of clandestinely exploded accidentally at a stone quarry site in a village in Chikkaballapur early Tuesday, police said.

The government has ordered a CID probe into the blast.

Police said preliminary investigation indicated use of petroleum gel and ammonium nitrate in the quarry that was operating clandestinely and was closed a few days ago following raids.

The incident comes close on the heels of a similar blast at a quarry site in Yediyurappa’s hometown of Shivamogga on January 22, which left six dead.

Karnataka health minister K Sudhakar, who represents the Chikkaballapur constituency, visited the spot and said the bodies of the victims were badly mutilated and scattered all over the place.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted his condolences to the families of the victims of the blast. “Pained by the loss of lives due to a mishap at Chikkaballapur in Karnataka.condolences to the bereaved families.praying that the injured recover quickly,” he said.

Expressing shock over the incident, chief minister B S Yediyurappa said he has ordered a thorough investigation into the case and directed the officials to take stringent action against the guilty. “A high-level investigation into the incident is underway and stringent action will be taken against the guilty,” he added.

Karnataka home minister Basavaraj Bommai ordered a CID inquiry into the blast after visiting the spot.

The opposition Congress and the Janata Dal (Secular) on Tuesday held the ruling BJP in the state responsible for the blast.

“The blast in Chikkaballapur which killed six people occurred due to the irresponsible government. How many more innocent lives should the government sacrifice?” Congress Karnataka unit chief D K Shivakumar said in a statement.