Udupi: A man from Tamil Nadu drowned in a water-filled stone quarry at Yedthadi village near Brahmavar in Udupi district on Thursday, with police registering a case against quarry operators for alleged negligence.
Victim had arrived days earlier
According to the complaint filed by Thangavelu (43), a native of Palani in Tamil Nadu, he had been working as a stone breaker at a quarry operated by Basheer and Sharath Shetty at Garkimath in Yedthadi.
He was staying in a workers’ accommodation near the quarry along with his son Manikanta and nephew Arun, who had arrived from their native place just four days prior to the incident.
Drowned while bathing in quarry pit
The incident occurred on March 19 when Arun reportedly entered a nearby quarry pit filled with rainwater to take a bath. During this time, he is said to have accidentally slipped into the deep water and drowned.
Initial reports suggest that the pit had formed due to stone extraction activities and had accumulated rainwater over time, turning into a hazardous water body.
Safety lapses alleged
The complaint alleges serious negligence on the part of the quarry operators. It states that the excavation had created a deep pit, with water levels reaching nearly 20 feet.
Despite the risk, no precautionary measures such as fencing, barricades, or warning signboards had been put in place around the site.
The complainant has stated that the tragedy could have been prevented if adequate safety protocols had been followed, especially since workers were residing and working in close proximity to the quarry.
Case registered under BNS
Based on the complaint, Brahmavar police have registered a case under Section 106(1) read with Section 34 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita against the quarry operators and others for alleged negligence.
Police officials have begun an investigation into the incident and are examining the role of those responsible for maintaining safety standards at the site.
Investigation underway
Authorities are expected to inspect the quarry premises and record statements from workers and management to determine lapses, if any.
Further action will be taken based on the findings of the investigation.
Conclusion
The incident highlights the dangers posed by unprotected quarry sites and raises concerns over worker safety. Officials have stressed the need for strict enforcement of safety norms to prevent such tragic accidents in the future.