Meghalaya Police Directed to Investigate Fatalities in Illegal Coal Mine

Investigation into Coal Mining Incident

Shillong, January 6: The committee led by retired Justice BP Katakey has instructed the Meghalaya police to prepare a report regarding the suspected deaths of two coal miners in an unauthorized mining operation located in the East Jaintia Hills district.

Justice Katakey stated, “This morning, I requested a report from the Meghalaya police concerning the fatalities. Based on the report's findings, necessary actions will be initiated.”

This one-person committee was established by the Meghalaya High Court to investigate illegal coal mining and its transportation within the state. To date, the committee has presented 34 reports to the court.

On December 23 of the previous year, two coal miners lost their lives, and several others were severely injured following an explosion at an illegal coal mine in Thangsko village, East Jaintia Hills.

Reports indicate that one miner died on the scene, while the other succumbed to injuries at the Shillong Civil Hospital. A video depicting the victims has been circulating online.

Vikash Kumar, the Superintendent of Police for East Jaintia Hills district, remarked, “We have been tasked with compiling a report on the reported fatalities. An investigation is underway, and we will present our findings to the committee within two days.”