SHILLONG: The Meghalaya High Court on Monday directed the district administration of East Jaintia Hills to submit a detailed report within 10 days on action taken against illegal coal mining following the deadly blast at Thangsko, that killed 27 miners, so far.
Hearing a suo motu Public Interest Litigation on illegal coal mining in Meghalaya, a Division Bench comprising Justice H. S. Thangkhiew and Justice W. Diengdoh took note of the status report submitted by the Deputy Commissioner and Superintendent of Police of East Jaintia Hills, who appeared before the court, today, as directed earlier.
The status report highlighted a shortage of manpower and informed the court that a case has been registered and two persons arrested in connection with the Thangsko incident.
While refraining from passing detailed orders at this stage, the court instructed the authorities to file a comprehensive report detailing steps taken across the district, including identification and closure of illegal mining sites, seizure of equipment, and arrests related to illegal rat-hole mining, particularly in the Mynsngat–Thangsko area.
Court Seeks Findings of Jan 14 Incident at Thangsko
The High Court also directed that the report include findings of the investigation into an earlier incident on January 14, 2026, at Thangsko, in which a labourer from Assam lost his life. Further orders regarding compensation will be considered after examining the report.
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Additionally, the court took on record the Thirty-Sixth Interim Report submitted by the committee headed by retired Justice B. P. Katakey, which documented rampant illegal mining in and around Thangsko, including neighbouring areas such as Mopala and Sakhain villages. The report, accompanied by photographs, indicated that mining activities were continuing in apparent defiance of court orders and the rule of law.
Court may Order Probe by Central Agency
Describing the findings as “distressing,” the High Court observed that the report reflected serious dereliction of duty by the authorities concerned. The bench warned that accountability would be fixed and that, if required, further orders could be passed for a proper investigation by an independent or central agency.
While dispensing with the personal appearance of the Deputy Commissioner for the time being, the court directed the Superintendent of Police to remain present on the next date of hearing. The matter has been listed for February 19, 2026.
