Gelatin Stick Explosion: PM Narendra Modi pained with the loss of lives

Bengaluru : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday expressed pain over the loss of lives in the gelatin stick explosion in Chikkaballapur district.

"Pained by the loss of lives due to a mishap at Chikkaballapur in Karnataka. Condolences to the bereaved families. Praying that the injured recover quickly," the PM tweeted.

A total of six people were killed in the explosion near a quarry in the district at 12.30 am on Tuesday.

Chief Minister BS Yeddyurappa has said that the authorities will take a 'merciless action' against the culprits as this is the second such incident in the state.

Responding to Congress leaders’ allegations that local BJP leaders are involved in illegal stone quarrying in Shivamogga and Chikkaballapur districts, Yediyurappa said it is not the question of any party or group, but of containing the illegal activity.

“Siddaramaiah keeps making allegations, and we don’t have to worry about them. Let him also give suggestions on the action to be taken and we are ready to consider it,” he said.