The bodies of Odia workers killed in the Andhra quarry blast were brought back to Odisha. The tragic incident shocked the entire region and sparked unrest over compensation. The six deceased were employed as labourers in a granite quarry in Andhra Pradesh.
Tension erupted as the bodies of Odia workers killed in the Andhra quarry blast reached Digapahandi, Ganjam. A large number of villagers gathered, expressing grief and anger. Authorities faced difficulties in handing over the bodies due to public unrest.
Victims Identified from Ganjam and Gajapati Districts
Among the deceased, four were residents of Ganjam district in Odisha. They were identified as Danda Badaitya, Musa Jena, Banamali Behera, and Santosh Gouda. Two others, Bhaskar Bisoyi and Takun Dalai, were from Gajapati district.
Their bodies were accompanied by a team from the Ganjam district administration. The team included three officials tasked with bringing back the mortal remains. Their return was marked by grief and sorrow among family members.
Deadly Quarry Blast Shocks Odisha and Andhra Pradesh
The explosion took place in a granite quarry located in Andhra Pradesh’s Bapatla district. A powerful blast occurred while labour work was underway at the site. All six Odia workers were killed on the spot due to the impact.
Officials from Odisha confirmed that the workers were not registered migrants. A lack of proper records made it difficult to respond quickly. The state government has acknowledged this gap in labour registration.
Compensation Promises Ignite Public Outcry
Tension intensified over the promised compensation by the quarry owner. It was reported that ₹14 lakh would be given to each deceased worker’s family. However, delays and unclear communication triggered public protests.
Villagers refused to accept the bodies initially, demanding immediate disbursement of compensation. The funeral process was delayed due to the emotional unrest. Police and administrative officials were deployed to maintain peace.
State Ministers Express Condolences and Announce Ex Gratia
Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhushan Jena addressed the media about the tragedy. He confirmed that ₹4 lakh was announced as ex gratia by the Odisha Chief Minister. The amount was handed over to the family of one of the deceased workers.
He also acknowledged the lack of a migrant labour database. The Minister said that this tragedy highlighted the urgent need to track migrant workers. He assured that the issue would be taken up seriously by the state.
Fisheries and Animal Resources Development Minister Gokulananda Mallik also visited the site. He conveyed deep sorrow on behalf of the state government. The Minister prayed for the grieving families and pledged support.
Local Officials Struggle to Calm Protesting Families
Senior officials from Gajapati and Ganjam districts reached the spot to mediate. They engaged in dialogue with villagers to ensure the funerals were conducted peacefully. The families, however, were inconsolable and demanded clarity on compensation.
Despite repeated assurances, anger among villagers remained high. Ambulances carrying the bodies were stopped, and the area was tense. Law enforcement was on alert to avoid any untoward incident.
Migrants’ Safety and Labour Registration Under Scrutiny
This incident has drawn attention to the plight of migrant workers. Many Odia workers travel to other states without formal registration. As a result, they remain vulnerable during emergencies or accidents.
The explosion at the quarry has exposed serious safety lapses. Questions were raised about working conditions and safety protocols at the site. Activists and local leaders demanded stricter regulations and enforcement.
Political and Public Reaction Across Odisha
Political leaders from all parties expressed condolences over the incident. Civil society organisations also joined the families in mourning. A demand for a thorough investigation into the blast was raised.
The incident has ignited discussions around migrant welfare in Odisha. The absence of a comprehensive database for migrant labourers was widely criticised. Calls for immediate policy action are growing louder.
Grief, Anger, and Demand for Justice Continue
As funeral rites were performed under police observation, emotions ran high. Families of the deceased demanded justice, accountability, and timely compensation. The pain of losing a loved one in such a manner remained visible.
The bodies of Odia workers killed in the Andhra quarry blast have returned, but their families’ wounds are fresh. Only timely justice and reforms can help avoid such tragedies in the future. Odisha mourns, but it also demands answers.
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