KHLIEHRIAT: A video circulating widely on social media showing a few injured men—allegedly victims of a dynamite blast at an illegal coal mine in Meghalaya’s East Jaintia Hills district—has triggered controversy, with the police strongly refuting the claims made in sections of the media.
Several media reports linked the video to an alleged dynamite explosion at an illegal coal mine in the Thangkso area of East Jaintia Hills, claiming that the incident resulted in the deaths of two mine workers. The police, however, have categorically denied any such confirmation.
According to these reports, one injured worker allegedly died on December 23, while another—identified as Ashok Tamang of Lad Rymbai—was said to have succumbed to his injuries at Shillong Civil Hospital on January 1.
East Jaintia Hills Superintendent of Police Vikash Kumar dismissed the claims, stating that there is no official confirmation of any dynamite blast in the district.
“The incident purported to be a dynamite blast is being circulated without any physical verification, crime scene unit inspection, or reports from the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) or the Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad (BDDS),” the SP said.
He further clarified that no such incident has been officially reported so far, adding that investigations are underway and urging the public and media to refrain from spreading unverified information.
Sources indicated that the police are currently gathering inputs to verify claims regarding the alleged deaths of two workers said to have been injured while extracting coal at an unidentified location in East Jaintia Hills.
Meanwhile, it was informed that the court-appointed committee headed by retired Justice B.P. Katakey has sought a detailed report on the matter. Police are also examining the viral videos, which social media posts claim were recorded in Thangsko (Mynsngat) area of East Jaintia Hills on December 23.
Authorities have reiterated that conclusions should not be drawn until official verification and investigation are completed.
