VARANASI: District mining officer , Sonbhadra , K K Rai , faces action after a video showing him convincing families of the labourers killed in Billi Markundi mine on February 28 to accept the compensation offered by the mining lease holder and obliquely suggesting not to file a case went viral on social media on Sunday.

In the video, mining officer is saying, “The patta holder is giving Rs 2 lakh cheque, along with Rs 5 lakh cash, to kin of each killed labourer. The patta holder had ensured each labourer and their kin will get Rs 7 lakh as insurance claim. Rs 3 lakh will be given under the farmers’ scheme.” Rai then warns that if they don’t accept relief, then the patta holder is ready to face legal battle. Sonbhadra district magistrate S Rajalingam told TOI on Monday, “A report against district mining officer has been sent to state government.”

