A devastating collapse at an illegal coal mine in Jharkhand’s Ramgarh district claimed one life, with several others feared trapped, police reported on Saturday. The incident occurred in the early hours at the Karma project area under Central Coalfields Limited (CCL) in Sugiya, where villagers were engaged in unauthorized mining.

Kuju Police Outpost in-charge Ashutosh Kumar Singh confirmed the recovery of one body, with rescue operations ongoing as more individuals are suspected to be trapped. “Some villagers were involved in illegal mining at the site,” Singh told PTI. Ramgarh Deputy Commissioner Faiz Aq Ahmed Mumtaz said an administrative team was dispatched to investigate and assist with relief efforts.

Reports indicate that 8-10 people may be trapped, though the exact number remains unconfirmed as families of illegal miners often avoid reporting due to fear of police action. The collapse highlights the persistent dangers of unregulated mining in Jharkhand, where similar incidents in Dhanbad have claimed lives in recent years.

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