A representational photo of a quarry. According to police, the explosive substances were meant for use in the site of N.S. Crushers, owned by Abdul Kunhi who had assigned Bantwal-based Shivaram Constructions for carrying out blasting at the quarry.
| Photo Credit: Photo for representation only
Vitla police are searching for a person who brought explosive substances to a stone quarry at Vitla Mudnur village where 15 houses were damaged in an explosion on March 4.
According to police, the explosive substances were meant for use in the site of N.S. Crushers, owned by Abdul Kunhi. Mr. Kunhi had assigned Bantwal-based Shivaram Constructions for carrying out blasting at the quarry.
A representative of the construction firm brought a load of 50 detonators and 100 gelatin sticks to the area. He stocked the explosive substances amid boulders and left for lunch around 1.30 p.m. Soon after, the explosive substances exploded.
Bantwal Tahsildar Archana Bhat told The Hindu that of 15 houses damaged in the vicinity, five houses had severe damage. Apart from roof sheets, window panes, television sets and few other articles in the five houses were damaged. Cracks were seen in 10 houses, Ms. Bhat said.
The Vitla police registered a case of negligence in use of explosive substances against the construction firm under provisions of Explosive Substances Act and Bharatiya Nyayaa Sanhita.
Deputy Director of Mines and Geology Department in Dakshina Kannada Krishnaveni said a notice would be issued to the construction firm.
Published – March 05, 2025 01:52 pm IST
