Mine mishap: BJP demands case against Mayawati, Naseemuddin Siddiqui

SONEBHADRA (UP): BJP today demanded lodging of cases against Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati, her cabinet colleague Naseemuddin Siddiqui and senior officials, alleging that they gave patronage to "mining mafia" due to which the mishap in which 10 people were killed in a stone mine here took place.

"We demand lodging of FIRs against Mayawati, Siddiqui, senior officers, including District Magistrate, for giving patronage to mining mafia...The tragic incident took place as administration turned blind eye towards the mafia, who are relatives of BSP leaders including its state president Swami Prasad Maurya," BJP state chief Surya Pratap Shahi alleged.

He was in the district to take stock of the situation. At least 10 people were killed on February 27 when a stone mine caved in Obra area. The cause of the incident was stated to be illegal mining.

Shahi said BJP would constitute a five-member committee comprising revenue, environment and mining experts to probe the incident and also give its recommendations for the betterment of labourers who are being exploited here.

"The illegal minings grew in the area due to blessing of the state government," he said.

Claiming that mining in the district was against the SC orders, Shahi alleged after the incident the district administrate started rescue operation very late due to which injured labourers could not be provided timely relief.

He demanded that the state government should provide Rs 10 lakh compensation to the family of those who died in the accident and Rs 2.5 lakh to the injured.

Shahi also announced Rs 25 lakh from the party fund to the family of the deceased and Rs 10,000 to the injured.