Shillong, Feb 5 – In a decisive move following a fatal coal mine explosion that claimed at least 18 lives, the Meghalaya High Court has issued stringent directives for the arrest of individuals responsible for illegal mining activities in the East Jaintia Hills district. The court further summoned the district’s Superintendent of Police (SP) and Deputy Commissioner (DC) to appear before it on February 9.
A division bench comprising Justices HS Thangkhiew and W Diengdoh took suo motu cognisance of media reports concerning the blast at alleged illicit coal mines in the Thangsku area. The court registered its grave concern over the persistence of illegal coal extraction in the region, particularly highlighting a similar incident and loss of life that occurred as recently as January 14 this year.
The bench unequivocally instructed the East Jaintia Hills Deputy Commissioner and Superintendent of Police to initiate immediate action. This includes identifying and apprehending the owners and operators implicated in the illegal mining operations, as well as confiscating all relevant incriminating evidence and materials.
Furthermore, the court mandated that authorities ensure prompt assistance and medical care are extended to the affected and injured individuals to the fullest extent possible.
The Deputy Commissioner and SP are required to personally appear before the High Court at 10:30 AM on February 9. They are expected to furnish a comprehensive report detailing the actions taken in response to the blast and provide a thorough explanation for how such a perilous situation was allowed to continue unchecked.
The court warned that further orders would be issued should there be any non-compliance with its directives. To ensure prompt communication, the registry has been instructed to dispatch copies of the order to the Deputy Commissioner and SP of East Jaintia Hills via both email and hard copy on the same day, with an additional copy provided to the Advocate General.
The case is scheduled for its next hearing on February 9, where the court will review the compliance and explanations provided by the summoned officials.
