The Meghalaya Police have set up a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the coal mine explosion that claimed the lives of more than 30 workers in East Jaintia Hills district. The decision was taken following directions from the state’s Director General of Police (DGP) Idashisha Nongrang, who ordered a detailed and time-bound probe to uncover the exact cause of the incident and identify those responsible.
According to official orders issued on February 13, the SIT has been formed to conduct a fair, impartial and speedy investigation into the accident that occurred at an illegal coal mine located at Mynsngat-Thangsko near Khliehriat. The nine-member investigation team will be led by Deputy Inspector General of Police (Eastern Range) Vivekanand S. Rathore. The team has been tasked with examining all aspects of the incident, including the sequence of events that led to the explosion, safety conditions at the site, and any possible violation of court orders or National Green Tribunal (NGT) directions related to illegal mining.
Police officials stated that the SIT will gather evidence, record statements, and carry out technical assessments to determine whether negligence, illegal activities, or regulatory failures contributed to the tragedy. The investigation has also been directed to proceed within a fixed time frame so that responsibility can be established quickly and legal action can be taken as required. Authorities said the objective of the probe is not only to establish the cause of the accident but also to ensure accountability and prevent similar incidents in the future.
The explosion occurred earlier this month inside the illegal mine in the Thangsko area of East Jaintia Hills, one of the regions where concerns over unsafe and unregulated mining activities have been raised repeatedly over the years. Rescue teams had launched extensive search and rescue operations immediately after the blast. However, on February 9, the state government decided to call off the rescue efforts after assessment teams concluded that there was no further possibility of finding survivors trapped inside the mine.
The incident has triggered widespread concern across the state, with many demanding stricter monitoring of illegal mining operations and stronger enforcement of safety regulations. Local residents, social organisations, and labour groups have also urged the government to ensure that victims’ families receive proper compensation and support, while calling for strict action against those involved in running illegal mining activities.
Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma had earlier announced the formation of a judicial inquiry commission to examine the circumstances that led to the explosion and to determine accountability. The judicial inquiry will run alongside the police investigation, and both are expected to help authorities understand the larger issues linked to illegal mining practices in the region.