SHILLONG, Feb 7: The death toll in the blast at an illegal coal mine in Meghalaya’s East Jaintia Hills district rose to 27 on Saturday after two more bodies were recovered, police said, as multi-agency search and rescue operations continued at the site.
The explosion occurred on Thursday at the mine in the Thangsku area of Umsngat village.
The latest bodies were found during ongoing search operations involving multiple agencies. Several people are still reported missing, and the search will continue, police said.
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Superintendent of Police Vikash Kumar said efforts are also underway to verify the identities of the deceased.
A suo motu FIR has been registered at Khliehriat police station under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act and the Explosive Substances Act.
So far, two accused — Forme Chyrmang (36) of Jalaphet Pordung village and Shamehi War (42) of Sutnga Pohwailong village — have been arrested in connection with the incident.
Meanwhile, chief minister Conrad K Sangma said the government has zero tolerance for illegal coal mining and that strict action would be taken against all those involved.
He added that the administration has been directed to intensify enforcement and ensure accountability.
Justice (retd) B P Katakey, who is overseeing compliance related to mining issues, visited Thangsku and confirmed that illegal mining was being carried out on a large scale in the locality, officials said. (PTI)
