The Meghalaya High Court has directed the Deputy Commissioner of East Jaintia Hills, Manish Kumar, and Superintendent of Police, Vikash Kumar, to submit a detailed report within 10 days on actions taken against illegal coal mining following the deadly blast at Mynsngat–Thangsko.
The court has sought information on seizure of illegal mining equipment, arrests made, and concrete measures adopted to curb rat-hole mining across the district, with special focus on the Mynsngat–Thangsko area. The explosion on February 5 claimed 27 lives and left nine others injured.
In its order passed on Monday (February 9), a division bench comprising Justice HS Thangkhiew and Justice W Diengdoh noted that while a status report had been placed before the court, it highlighted a shortage of personnel and mentioned only the registration of a case and the arrest of two persons.
“This Court at this stage will not pass any detailed orders but directs for a detailed report to be filed within ten days on further steps taken in the entire district regarding illegal mining sites, seizure of equipment, and arrest of those involved in illegal rat-hole mining, especially at Mynsngat–Thangsko,” the bench observed.
The High Court also directed the authorities to include details of the January 14 incident at Thangsko, in which a labourer from Assam lost his life, as part of the investigation report.
Meanwhile, the Thirty-Sixth Interim Report submitted by the Justice BP Katakey Committee, following a visit to the accident site, revealed widespread illegal mining activities continuing in areas such as Mopala and Sakhain villages, despite standing court orders. The report included photographs and information related to casualties from the incident.
Describing the findings as alarming, the bench remarked that the report reflected serious dereliction of duty by the authorities concerned.
The court further warned that accountability will be fixed, and if required, further orders may be passed for a proper investigation by an independent or central agency.
The Deputy Commissioner and Superintendent of Police have been directed to remain personally present before the court on the next hearing scheduled for February 19.

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