Hassan: A tragic accident at a granite quarry in Dhumagere village, Hassan taluk, claimed the life of a labourer from Tamil Nadu and left four others injured on Thursday. The mishap occurred when soil and heavy boulders collapsed during a blast operation.

The deceased has been identified as Mani (40), while the injured—Nelson, Yelumalai, Siddaraju, and Madurai—also hail from Tamil Nadu and are currently receiving treatment at a private hospital in Hassan.

The incident took place during a rock-blasting operation at the Green Granite quarry, operated by Navyashree Minerals. Critically injured Mani was being transported to a Bengaluru hospital but succumbed to his injuries en route.

In a controversial turn, his body was reportedly transported to his native place in Tamil Nadu without informing authorities. Acting swiftly, Shantigrama Police intervened and halted the funeral rites. The body has since been sent for post-mortem.

A case has been registered against quarry owner Devaraj, his son Arjun, Sridhar Babu, Krishnamurthy, and quarry in-charge Prakash. Police have taken Devaraj and Prakash into custody for further investigation.