Shillong, February 7: The death toll from the coal mine explosion in the Mainsingt area of Meghalaya’s East Jaintia Hills district has risen to 25 as of Friday. Officials confirmed that search and rescue operations are still ongoing.
Vikas Kumar, the Superintendent of Police for East Khasi Hills district, reported that rescue teams recovered four more bodies from inside the mine during their efforts. Additionally, a wounded individual receiving treatment at the North Eastern Indira Gandhi Regional Institute of Health and Medical Sciences in Shillong has also succumbed to injuries.
Authorities noted that two others, who were critically injured in the explosion and subsequent fire, have died during treatment.
Following these fatalities, the total number of deaths in this incident stands at 25. So far, 17 bodies have been identified, and after completing all legal and medico-legal formalities, they have been handed over to their families.
In connection with this incident, the police have registered an FIR at the Khliehriat police station. The FIR was filed under sections 105, 118(2), and 3(5) of the Indian Penal Code, as well as section 21 and 21(1) of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act and section 3 of the Explosive Substances Act.
So far, two suspects have been arrested. They have been identified as Forme Chiramang (36), son of the late Kom Dakhar, and Shamehi War (42), son of Wisman Syartii, both residents of East Jaintia Hills district.
The suspects were presented in court and have been remanded to three days of police custody for further questioning. Efforts to identify and apprehend other individuals involved in illegal mining are ongoing.
Search, investigation, and legal proceedings continue, while district officials and police maintain heightened vigilance in the area.
This incident highlights the dangers of illegal coal mining in the district, where such activities persist despite a long-standing ban.
