Shillong, Feb 15: The state government has announced the judicial inquiry commission to be led by retired Justice RS Chauhan to look into the coal mine tragedy at Mynsngat-Thangsko in East Jaintia Hills and the broader concern over illegal mining in Meghalaya.
Other members of the commission are retired IPS officer H Nongpluh and retired IAS officer PS Dkhar.
The commission has a mandate to inquire into the February-5 incident at Thangsko besides exploring factors behind continuance of illegal coal mining in Meghalaya, feasibility of a financial package for miners, and possibility of a presidential exemption for traditional mining practices.
Meanwhile, Director General of Police Idashisha Nongrang on February 12 ordered constituting a nine-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the blast inside an illegal coal mine.
The SIT, headed by Deputy Inspector General of Police (Eastern Range) Vivekanand S Rathore, will ascertain causes and circumstances, probe violations of court orders and NGT directions, and submit time-bound findings.
The DGP’s order added that the SIT will ensure the investigation is brought “to its logical conclusion and…justice in accordance with law.”
Search and rescue were called off on February 9 after assessment teams concluded no survivors remained.
Four people have been arrested, and authorities say thousands of metric tonnes of illegal coal have been seized amid intensified raids on labour camps in coal-bearing areas.
The NGT’s 2014 ban on rat-hole mining and coal transport in Meghalaya remains in force, but illegal operations persist.
