Dhenkanal Quarry Blast in Odisha: Police Delay, Missing Bodies, Illegal Mining Outrage

A devastating explosion in an illegal black stone quarry at Gopalpur village under Badalo and Nimidha panchayats of Dhenkanal district has claimed five lives and triggered widespread outrage.

The blast occurred on Saturday afternoon when workers, without safety gear, used dynamite to break stones in a quarry more than 140 feet deep.

Two severed heads were recovered from beneath heavy rocks, while three bodies remain missing, fueling speculation and anger among locals.

Residents allege that quarry mafias continue illegal operations in Odapada tehsil with administrative and police support, despite official records showing the quarry closed since 2025.

Reports also suggest that victim bodies may have been removed to cover up deaths, with past incidents disguised as road accidents.

Police and tehsil officials, including Motanga IIC Deepak Kumar Lenka and Tehsildar Manoj Kumar Majhi, reached the site only in the evening, failing to gather evidence in the dark. Their delayed response drew sharp criticism from villagers.

On Sunday, rescue operations intensified with fire brigades, ODRAF teams, dog squads, and JCB machines joining the effort. Hundreds of locals gathered at the site, demanding accountability and transparency.

Later, District Collector Ishwar Ashish Patil and SP Abhinav Sonkar visited the quarry, ordering strict action against those responsible.

Dhenkanal MP Rudra Narayan Pani also directed officials to take firm measures, reinforcing the demand for justice.

The incident highlights rampant illegal mining, administrative negligence, and the urgent need for stronger enforcement to protect workers’ lives.