Police register FIR against illegal mining site, mine owner arrested
Guwahati, Jan 7: Rescue operations at the flooded coal mine in Umrongso of Assam’s Dima Hasao district, were suspended for the day at 6 PM and are set to resume early on Wednesday morning. Despite concerted efforts by the NDRF, SDRF, Indian Army, Navy, Assam Rifles, and Fire & Emergency Services, no bodies have been recovered, and more than 11 miners have remained trapped in the illegal mining site since Monday morning.
An NDRF official said a naval team with a deep diver from the Eastern Naval Command arrived this afternoon to bolster rescue efforts. A 35-member NDRF team began operations early Tuesday morning under the supervision of Commandant HPS Kandari.
High water levels inside the mine, reaching nearly 100 feet, continue to pose severe challenges.
Local reports suggest 27 miners were initially trapped, of whom 10 escaped. Between 13 to 17 remain unaccounted for.
Three bodies have been sighted but remain unrecovered due to water levels and logistical challenges. The trapped miners include individuals from Assam, West Bengal, and Nepal, aged 26 to 57.
Local sources report that 27 miners were initially trapped, but 10 escaped. Between 13 to 17 miners remain unaccounted for.
Several names have been identified among those trapped, including miners from Assam, West Bengal, and Nepal.
Three bodies have been seen from the surface but are yet to be recovered due to high water levels and other logistical challenges.
The trapped miners, ranging in age from 26 to 57, include residents from Assam, West Bengal, and Nepal. They are- Ganga Bahadur Shreth (38), Nepal; Hussain Ali (30), Assam; Jakir Hussain (38), Assam; Sarpa Barman (46), Assam; Mustafa Seikh (44), Assam; Khusi Mohan Rai (57), Assam; Sanjit Sarkar (35), West Bengal; Lijan Magar (26), Assam and Sarat Goyary (37), Assam.
Police have arrested Punish Nunisa, the mine’s alleged owner and cousin of Konika Hojaia, wife of Dima Hasao Autonomous Council (DHAC) Chief Executive Member (CEM) Debolal Gorlosa.
The mine has been operating illegally, reportedly under the administration’s notice.
An FIR under Umrangso PS case no. 02/2025 has been filed under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957.
In a post on X, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma acknowledged the mine’s illegal status.
There was also an inordinate delay in launching the rescue efforts, which began nearly 24 hours after the incident.
Sarma also wrote, “I also spoke to Union Coal Minister, Kishan Reddy seeking assistance for our rescue operation in Umrongso. He has promptly issued directions to Coal India HQ to extend full support to the Assam government in this mission. My sincere gratitude to him for his swift response and support.”
A Defence spokesperson said rising water levels and complex underground flooding hinder progress. The lack of immediate preparedness from the district administration has drawn criticism.
The rescue teams are expected to intensify efforts on Wednesday with the assistance of Navy divers and Coal India. The situation remains critical, with families awaiting news of the miners still trapped underground.
