Wayanad landslide: Police register case under BNS, rescue operations continue

At least four people were killed and six others remain missing after a landslide struck the Kalladi tunnel construction site in Meppadi Grama Panchayat of Keralam's Wayanad district on Tuesday, officials said.

Speaking to ANI, the DIG said inquest proceedings, post-mortem examinations, identification of the bodies and the investigation were underway alongside rescue efforts.

"We have registered a case under Section 194 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The inquest, post-mortem examinations, and identification of the bodies are being carried out, and the investigation is underway. At the same time, rescue operations are continuing," he said.

Karthick K said personnel from the district administration, Fire and Rescue Services, police, volunteers and local residents were jointly carrying out rescue operations.

"Our first priority is to locate the people who are still missing. At this stage, we do not know whether they are alive or not, so the immediate focus is to clear the debris and reach those trapped underneath. There are also people living beyond the affected area, and the road needs to be cleared to restore their access," he said.

According to the DIG, "Nine injured persons have been admitted to hospital and are undergoing treatment".

"The case has been registered as an unnatural death under Section 194 of the BNS. We will be able to share more details as the investigation progresses," he added.

Temporary shelters have been arranged at the Mundakkai Forest Station and the Chooralmala Church Hall for residents stranded on either side of the bridge. Authorities have also taken steps to ensure the safety of schoolchildren and evacuate residents from vulnerable areas, including Erattukundu, Attamala, Mammikkunnu and Ambedkar Colony.

Rescue and relief operations are continuing at the landslide site. (ANI)