Asansol, Jan. 13 -- A coal mine collapsed in West Bengal's Asansol on Tuesday, leaving five people trapped under the debris.

According to BJP MLA Ajay Poddar, out of five people, two were rescued safely, while three bodies were recovered in his presence. He noted that the individuals were extracting coal from a rathole when the collapse occurred at the mine.

The BJP MLA further alleged a nexus between the police and the 'coal mafia,' claiming that such incidents have become prevalent across West Bengal.

"At about 7.45 am today, five people got trapped due to mine collapse. Two people were rescued safely. One body was also retrieved...Two more bodies were recovered in front of me...They were extracting coal from rathole. This is a syndi...