At least seven migrant labourers from Bihar were feared dead after a massive boulder collapsed at a stone quarry in Bengaluru South taluk early on Thursday morning. Several others were injured, while rescue teams fear that more workers remain trapped beneath the debris. The death toll is likely to go up.

The incident occurred at around 5 a.m. at the Kaveri Crusher unit in Madapatna village, within the jurisdiction of the Tavarekere Police Station.

According to preliminary information, around 20 labourers were working at the quarry when a huge rock suddenly gave way and crashed on them. The workers were reportedly carrying out quarrying operations about 40 feet below the surface after blasting work had been undertaken at the site a day earlier.

Police said seven labourers are feared dead, though the identities of the deceased are yet to be established. The victims are believed to be migrant workers from Bihar, while a few injured workers are reportedly from Karnataka.

Five labourers sustained serious injuries and were shifted to RR Hospital for treatment. Officials said several heavy boulders also crushed excavation machinery, including earthmoving equipment, during the collapse.

Eyewitnesses said the workers had no warning before the boulder suddenly collapsed.

“The incident took place at around 5 a.m. when more than 15 to 16 workers were on duty. Some managed to run to safety, some were injured, and others were trapped beneath the boulder. It did not appear that the boulder fell because of the blasting itself; it collapsed suddenly while the workers were carrying out their routine work,” an eyewitness said.

Vinod, another worker who witnessed the tragedy, said that the victims had just taken over from the night shift when the incident occurred.

“When the boulder collapsed, many workers were trapped beneath it. Some lost their legs, while others lost their hands. We could do nothing to rescue them. I was operating a Hitachi excavator and was about 10 metres away from the spot. The victims were drilling at the quarry and did not notice the boulder above them,” he said.

Rescue operations are underway as police and emergency personnel continue clearing the debris in search of trapped workers. Officials said the bodies of the deceased are yet to be recovered from beneath the boulders.

Senior police officers and district administration officials have rushed to the spot and are supervising the rescue operation.

Officials said the quarry management had obtained the necessary permissions, including the lease and licences required for quarrying and the use of explosives. However, the exact cause of the collapse is yet to be determined.

Police have registered a case and launched an investigation into the incident. More details are awaited as rescue efforts continue.

New Delhi, July 1: Leaders across the political spectrum, including Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Deputy CM Keshav Prasad Maurya and BSP chief Mayawati wished Samajwadi Party President Akhilesh Yadav on his 53rd birthday.

In a post on X, Congress President Kharge said: “Heartfelt birthday wishes to Shri Akhilesh Yadav, former Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh and National President of the Samajwadi Party. I wish you a bright future, excellent health, and a long life.”

“Together, we will continue to advance towards social justice, inclusive development, and strengthening democracy and the Constitution,” he added.

Taking to X, Gandhi said: “Warmest birthday greetings to Akhilesh Yadav ji.”

“With the participation of PDA, we will together fulfill the resolve for social justice. Best wishes for good health and a happy life,” he added.

Praying for good health and long life for the SP chief, CM Adityanath wrote on X: “Heartfelt birthday greetings to former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav. I pray to Lord Shri Ram for your good health and long life.”

BSP chief Mayawati also wished the former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister, saying “Heartfelt greetings to Samajwadi Party chief, former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister, and current MP Akhilesh Yadav on his birthday.”

“Best wishes to him and his family for a happy and long life,” she wrote on X.

Deputy Chief Minister Maurya said: “Heartfelt birthday greetings and best wishes to Samajwadi Party chief, former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister, and MP Akhilesh Yadav”.

“May Lord Shri Ram, Lord Shri Krishna, and Adi Dev Mahadev bless you with good health and a long life.”

Meanwhile, celebrations began early Wednesday at the Samajwadi Party headquarters in Lucknow and across several districts of Uttar Pradesh. Party leaders, office-bearers, and workers gathered at the state headquarters to celebrate the occasion by cutting a cake and extending their wishes. Supporters prayed for his good health, long life, and an active public career.

New Delhi, July 1: In a significant breakthrough against motor vehicle theft, an alert patrolling team of Delhi Police arrested two vehicle thieves and recovered four stolen two-wheelers from the accused, police said on Wednesday.

An official statement said that a team of Daryaganj Police Station, which was on routine patrolling duty on the intervening night of June 26 and 27, noticed two suspicious persons riding two separate scooters, at Netaji Subhash (NS) Marg near Delhi Gate area.

When signaled to stop for checking, both riders became nervous, abandoned their scooters, and attempted to flee. The police team, demonstrating promptness and vigilance, chased and apprehended both suspects after a brief pursuit, officials said.

Subsequently, FIR No. 014688/2026 dated 27.06.2026, U/S 305(B)/317(2)/3(5) BNS, PS Darya Ganj, was registered and investigation was taken up.

The statement further said that the successful operation was carried out by HC Chunniram, Ct. Gaurav under the supervision of INSP./SHO PS Dariyaganj and all over supervision of ACP Daryaganj .

The police personnel’s alert patrolling, swift response and timely action led to the arrest of both accused and recovery of multiple stolen vehicles, including two scooters and two motorcycles.

Both the accused, identified as Mohd. Shadman and Mohd. Kaif are 19-year-olds and residents of the national Capital’s Daryaganj area.

During interrogation, both accused failed to produce any valid ownership or registration documents for the scooters in their possession. Verification through the ZIPNET/internal vehicle database confirmed that both scooters had been stolen, investigators said.

During sustained interrogation and on the basis of their disclosure statements, two additional stolen motorcycles were recovered. Further investigation is in progress to ascertain their involvement in other auto-lifting cases across the district as well as the national Capital.

In all, police have recovered four two-wheelers from both the accused, that include a TVS Ntorq Scooter, Suzuki Burgman Scooter, Hero Splendor Plus Motorcycle, Honda Shine Motorcycle.

Officials said that all recovered vehicles have been seized in accordance with the relevant provisions of law.