Shillong, Feb 22: Police in Meghalaya have confiscated more than 17,000 metric tonnes of illegally mined coal and 25.5 kg of explosives from abandoned mines in East Jaintia Hills district, intensifying their crackdown on unlawful mining operations.
The overnight raid conducted between February 20 and 21 targeted multiple sites across East Jaintia Hills and resulted in the seizure of 17,322 metric tonnes of coal along with explosive materials. East Jaintia Hills Superintendent of Police Pankaj Kumar Rasgania confirmed that no arrests were made during the particular operation.
The action comes in the aftermath of a devastating explosion on February 5 at an illegal coal mine in Thangsku, which left 34 people dead and several others injured. Following the incident, police registered 94 FIRs and arrested 22 individuals allegedly linked to illegal coal extraction and transportation activities.
In response to the tragedy, the state government constituted a Special Investigation Team to probe the blast and set up a judicial inquiry commission to examine lapses in enforcement and monitoring mechanisms. The Meghalaya High Court has been monitoring the matter and has directed senior police officials to remain present during hearings.
Officials have stated that enforcement drives will continue in vulnerable pockets of East Jaintia Hills, with strict legal action to be taken against those found involved in illegal mining, storage or transportation of coal.
