Security at KGF gold mine exposed after three die in mining shaft

The KGF gold mine which now and then encounters reports of gold theft from abandoned mines for the first time has reported three deaths that occurred in a mining shaft.

 

According to police, the wife of Joseph (one of the thieves) said that, Vikram, Victor, Richard and Karthik were at Joseph’s house at 7pm on Wednesday. They left with Joseph and took another person Skanda along. At 9 pm Richard had informed the family of Joseph about Joseph and Skanda not responding after going down the mining shaft. Joseph's family arrived at the spot, Skanda's son Santosh alias Padaiappa went inside the shaft but failed to return.

The police, who was informed shortly after, were able to find two bodies.

 

According to KGF SP, Mohammad Sujeetha, the bodies recovered are that of Joseph (45), Skanda (55), residents of Andersonpet, while the body of Santosh alias Padaiappa (25) is yet to be found

 

The body of Santosh, who went into the shaft to retrieve his father but slipped inside the 1000 feet shaft is yet to be found. Vikram and Victor were admitted to hospital after they were found in an unconscious state. The accused, who led this gold theft attempt, Richard and Karthik, are still at large.

 

Meanwhile, bodies were sent to post-mortem and a team has been called from Bengaluru to find the body of Padaiappa.

 

A case has been registered at Marikuppam Police Station.

 

Police say, they will also take up the matter with Bharath Gold Mines Limited for additional security deployment.