Meghalaya police confirm death of 3 coal miners in illegally operated mine

According to several media reports that surfaced Monday, one of the deceased hailed from Musniang village. The reports claimed that no one was coming forward to speak about the incident as the mine was being operated illegally.

Taking suo-moto notice of media reports in connection with the death of three coal mine workers inside an alleged illegally operated coal mine in Rymbai under the East Jaiñtia hills district, the Meghalaya police on Wednesday registered a case and said that they have initiated an inquiry in this regard.

According to various sources, mining has been going on in the area despite a ban by the Meghalaya high court and a National Green Tribunal court (Representative Photo)

“A suo moto case was registered and notices under sections 160 and 91 of the CrPC were issued to all the headmen for ascertaining the veracity of the reports about the death of the coal miners,” Khliehriat superintendent of police (SP) Jagpal Singh Dhanoa said.

Speaking to Hindustan Times over the phone from Khliehriat, the SP said, “Yes, there have been three deaths on January 9 and the deceased were buried on January 10. Preliminary investigation also revealed that one injured person was admitted to NEIGHRIMS-Shillong. We are investigating the matter before arriving at a conclusion.”

Dhanoa said that notices were issued to headmen of the area and their statements are being collected and compiled, adding, “we are trying to locate the alleged place of occurrence and ascertaining the connection of the deceased persons to it.”

According to several media reports that surfaced Monday, one of the deceased hailed from Musniang village. The reports claimed that no one was coming forward to speak about the incident as the mine was being operated illegally.

“Sources are being engaged and teams were sent to various villages, especially Musniang, to get further information,” a police officer familiar with the case said.

According to various sources, mining has been going on in the area despite a ban by the Meghalaya high court and a National Green Tribunal court.

Coal-related activities are happening along Rymbai to Umsatai, Pynurkba, Bataw route till Umlangsha and Lakadong towards Borghat, sources added.

In April 2014, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) banned rat-hole coal mining and the Meghalaya high court too issued an order in this regard.

The high court came down hard on the administration and directed the chief secretary and the director general of police (DGP) to not bow to any political interference while implementing its order to completely put a stop to illegal coal mining in the state and arrest all accused.

Meanwhile, police said that 18 cases of illegal transportation of coal were reported from the East Jaintia Hills district in the last two months. Seven people are arrested and 22 vehicles were seized during this period, they said.

In addition, there was a case of illegal coal mining in which the police recovered two air blower machines, eight axes, two drilling irons and two hammers.