Police in Meghalaya’s East Jaintia Hills district have initiated a Suo motu case following the death of Ashok Tamang, a worker who sustained severe burn injuries from an alleged dynamite explosion last month. The case is registered under Section 105 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, concerning culpable homicide in accidental death cases. Tamang passed away on January 1, 2026, while undergoing treatment at Shillong Civil Hospital. His dying declaration indicated that the explosion occurred while he was handling dynamite at work but did not specify the location or link to coal mining activities.
The investigation, led by Superintendent of Police Vikash Kumar, aims to identify Tamang’s workplace and clarify the conditions under which he handled explosives. Initial inquiries have raised doubts regarding claims about the incident being connected to Thangka village, as local residents deny recognizing individuals or locations depicted in a viral video related to the case.
Additionally, the Justice (retd) B.P. Katakey Committee, overseeing coal-related matters in the state, has requested a detailed report on the incident, highlighting that the viral video and Tamang’s death might be unrelated. Tamang had been treated at Sutnga Community Health Centre before being transferred to Shillong Civil Hospital, with police stating they had not been notified of the case by the initial health facility.
The Meghalaya Human Rights Commission (MHRC) has also taken Suo motu cognizance of reports alleging the explosion resulted in two fatalities, prompting an inquiry directed at Chief Secretary Shakil P. Ahammed, requiring a report within one month. While claims of two deaths, including one potentially involving a Bangladeshi national, circulate on social media, police have confirmed only Tamang’s death. A comprehensive investigation into the events surrounding the incident is assured by the police.