5 feared killed in mine mishap; CM suspends officer

Around five persons were feared killed when the side wall of a mine collapsed during stone-quarrying at Charkhari area here today.
Confirming the incident, District Magistrate Vireshwar Singh said an inquiry has been ordered into the mishap.
He, however, did not confirm the toll.
A case has been registered against the lease holder of the land where mining work was underway, official sources said.
Expressing grief over the incident, Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav announced an ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh each for the next of kin of the decased.
He also ordered a thorough probe into the incident by a five-member committee.

Akhilesh also ordered suspension of the District Mines Officer with immediate effect, an official statement issued in Lucknow said.