Karnal: Residents of Taprana village in the district alleged that illegal mining was responsible for the death of three girls. The girls drowned in a canal near the village yesterday.

Karnal: Residents of Taprana village in the district alleged that illegal mining was responsible for the death of three girls. The girls drowned in a canal near the village yesterday.

Following the incident, Deputy Commissioner Aditya Dahiya asked the Mining Officer to inquire into the matter. Besides, he also directed the Block Development and Panchayat Officer (BDPO) to provide all kinds of assistance to the family members.

The residents alleged that illegal mining had led to very deep pits in the drain. “We had, on a number of occasions, requested the authorities to stop this illegal work, but to no avail. Their negligence has led to this tragic incident,” said another farmer.

As per the residents, Santosh (20) along with her nieces Sakina (6) and Rambai (12) had gone to graze goats near the drain yesterday afternoon. As Sakina slipped into the drain, Rambai also jumped into the drain to save her. On seeing both of them in the drain, Santosh also jumped into the drain. Due to deep pits in the drain, they were unable to come out, said the residents.

“As the matter came to my notice, I immediately asked the BDPO to check the spot and meet the family members. All kinds of assistance will be provided to the family members,” said the DC.

“The allegations levelled by the residents of illegal mining in the drain are yet to be verified. I have directed the mining officer to visit the site and submit a report,” said the DC.