Shillong, Dec 8: Police have not been able to find any proof of a mine collapse that reportedly trapped three miners in an illegal rat-hole coal mine in East Jaintia Hills, Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong, who is also in charge of the Home Department, said today.
It was reported in local media that three miners had become trapped in an illegal mine, a not uncommon occurrence in Meghalaya.
“I have directed our district administration to find out whether it’s true or not. But till now we are yet to get any clue,” the Deputy CM said.
The unverified reports stated that the incident occurred in Thangskai village in East Jaintia Hills. Locals claim the bodies were quietly removed in the dead of the night to avoid attention.
Meanwhile, police said that they received the same information and immediately rushed a team to the area. The police said that they spoke to the headman, residents and labourers on site, but no one confirmed any incident.
Police officials also added that no missing person complaint or death report has been filed at any police station in the district.
Police said that they have scoured nearby jungles and jungle areas and recorded a General Diary entry about the rumour and the verification. Checks are continuing but so far nothing has been substantiated.
