Ringing mobile phone may have triggered quarry blast in Chikaballapur: Forensic experts

Officials turned blind eye to quarrying beyond crusher limits, say sources

The tragic blast that killed six people near a stone crusher unit at Hirenagaveli in Chikkaballapur district could have been triggered by a ringing mobile phone, officials investigating the case suspect.

As both gelatin sticks and detonators were kept together in the same bag during the desperate bid by employees of the crusher to hide them, any small force was enough to cause the blast.

Police sources told DH that forensic experts who visited the spot have raised suspicion that a call received by one of the labourers during the bid to hide the explosives could have caused the tragedy.

“Two victims were already at the spot, before explosives were brought to the spot in the Tata Ace vehicle. The duo had arrived early to ensure a safe hiding place for
explosives.

After they reached the spot, the explosion was either triggered accidentally - when one detonator slipped from the rice bag or due to the ringing of the mobile phone,” a source said, adding that there were cases in the past when gelatin and detonators kept together had exploded all of
a sudden.

Sources also ruled out ‘partying’ by labourers before the explosion, noting that no evidence of a campfire was found so far.

There are indications that revenue officials turned a blind eye to alleged illegal quarrying beyond the limits of the crusher.

“The accident occurred adjacent to gomala land. In that land too, quarrying was seen,” a source said.

According to Section 192(A) of the Land Revenue Act, any official who fails to report unlawful occupation of government land and take action can be imprisoned for three years along with
a fine.

Prima facie, it is clear that local revenue authorities failed to report the alleged violation occurring right beside the quarry, the source
added.