Shillong, Jan 6: The Justice (retd) B.P. Katakey Committee on Monday sought a detailed report from the Meghalaya Police on the alleged deaths of two coal miners in an explosion at an illegal coal mine in East Jaintia Hills district, officials said.
Justice Katakey said the report was requisitioned earlier in the day and that further steps would be decided after examining the findings. “I have sought a report about the deaths from the Meghalaya Police this morning. Based on the findings of the report, appropriate action would be taken,” he told reporters.
The one-member committee was constituted by the Meghalaya High Court to monitor and investigate issues related to illegal coal mining and transportation in the state. So far, it has submitted 34 reports to the High Court, tracking compliance and violations across various districts.
According to official and local reports, two coal miners were killed and several others seriously injured following an explosion at an illegal coal mine in Thangsko village in East Jaintia Hills on December 23 last year.
One miner reportedly died on the spot, while another succumbed to injuries later at Shillong Civil Hospital. A video purportedly showing injured miners being rescued has since circulated widely on social media, drawing public attention to the incident.
Superintendent of Police of East Jaintia Hills district, Vikash Kumar, confirmed that police have been directed to submit a comprehensive report to the committee. “We have been asked to submit a report on the reported deaths. A probe is underway, and the report will be submitted within two days,” he said.
Authorities said the investigation will focus on the circumstances leading to the explosion, the legality of the mining operation and possible lapses in enforcement.
The incident has once again highlighted concerns over the persistence of illegal coal mining in the state despite court-imposed restrictions and ongoing monitoring by the High Court-appointed committee.
