A division bench of the Meghalaya High Court, comprising Justices HS Thangkhiew and W Diengdoh, has taken suo motu cognisance of media reports concerning the recent blast in the Thangsku area of East Jaintia Hills district.
Expressing serious concern, the court noted that illegal coal mining activities appeared to have continued despite a similar fatal incident reported on January 14 earlier this year.
Issuing directions for immediate action, the bench ordered the Deputy Commissioner and Superintendent of Police of East Jaintia Hills to identify and arrest the mine owners and operators allegedly involved in the illegal operations. The court further directed authorities to seize all incriminating materials connected to the mining activities.
Additionally, the High Court instructed the district administration to ensure that those affected and injured in the incident receive prompt assistance and medical aid to the extent possible.