In a significant move highlighting administrative failure, Karnataka's Upa Lokayukta has launched a formal case against ten government officials for their alleged negligence leading to a fatal accident at an illegal mining site in Mandya district.
A Tragic Incident and Its Aftermath
The action stems from a devastating event on December 26. A tipper truck, heavily loaded with crushed stones, met with a fatal accident. The vehicle plunged into a deep gorge at a stone-crushing unit located near Jataka Gate, within the limits of Bellur police station. The driver lost his life instantly at the spot.
Preliminary investigations pointed to severe safety violations. The quarry was being operated in blatant disregard of the safety standards mandated under mining laws. Shockingly, despite the presence of a gorge nearly 40 feet deep right along the truck's path, the mine owner had not erected any protective barrier or compound wall. This glaring omission created a deadly trap for workers.
Systemic Failures and Official Inaction
The Upa Lokayukta, Justice B Veerappa, noted that the tragedy was a direct result of gross negligence by the quarry and crusher owners. However, the blame extended far beyond them. Officials from multiple departments were found guilty of serious lapses in their duty to monitor and enforce regulations.
It was revealed that workers at the crushing unit were subjected to unsafe and inhuman working conditions. Furthermore, the inquiry found that several complaints regarding illegal quarrying and dangerous practices had been filed in the past. Yet, no effective corrective action was taken by the concerned authorities. This alleged inaction indirectly encouraged the continuation of hazardous and illegal mining activities.
Officials Summoned for Accountability
Taking serious note of these systemic failures, Justice Veerappa has initiated a suo motu case. He has named the following ten officials as respondents, holding them accountable for dereliction of duty:
- The Assistant Commissioner (AC) of Pandavapura sub-division
- The Tahsildar of Nagamangala
- The Deputy Superintendent of Police, Nagamangala sub-division
- The Deputy Director of the Mines and Geology Department, Mandya
- The Senior Geologist of the Mines and Geology Department, Mandya
- The Regional Transport Officer
- The Labour Officer and Labour Inspector
- The Executive Officer of the Town Panchayat, Nagamangala
- The Panchayat Development Officer (PDO) of Neligere Gram Panchayat
All the concerned officials have been directed to appear in person before the Upa Lokayukta on February 16. They are required to submit detailed reports explaining their specific role in the matter and any actions they had taken prior to the incident. This step underscores a strong push for direct accountability in a case of tragic human cost due to administrative oversight.
