Investigation Underway in Meghalaya Explosion Incident

Meghalaya Police Report on Fatal Explosion

Shillong, January 9: The Meghalaya Police have presented a report to the BP Katakey Committee concerning the fatalities of two individuals, reportedly due to an explosion. The primary evidence in this case is the 'dying declaration' made by one of the deceased.

East Jaintia Hills Superintendent of Police, Vikash Kumar, stated that while the report has been filed, the exact circumstances surrounding the victims' deaths remain unclear. A formal case has been initiated regarding the incident.

Authorities have confirmed the death of one individual through a viral video. Reports indicate that Ashok Tamang, one of the victims, passed away at the Shillong Civil Hospital on January 1, while the identity of the second victim is yet to be determined.

The tragic event is said to have taken place on December 23 in Thangsko village, East Jaintia Hills district, where the victims allegedly succumbed to injuries from an explosion, potentially linked to illegal coal mining activities. Several others are reported to have suffered burn injuries.

Kumar mentioned that a preliminary investigation was conducted prior to the report submission, but the exact location and nature of the incident could not be confirmed.

He noted that the only substantial evidence available is a viral video on social media, in which Ashok Tamang claims that an explosion led to his injuries. This statement is being regarded by the police as a dying declaration.

“We are actively investigating to clarify the facts and circumstances surrounding the explosion. Currently, the only evidence supporting the explosion claim is the dying declaration. We need to further investigate to determine the incident's location and cause,” Kumar explained.

He emphasized that, as of now, the police have not verified any explosion occurrence at the site, and the viral videos circulating online are the only leads in this case.