Shillong, Feb 19: The State government submitted a status report before the Meghalaya High Court in connection with the February 5 explosion at an illegal coal mine in Thangsko area that claimed 33 lives.
A division bench of Justice Hamarsan Thangkhiew and Justice Wanlura Diengdoh had on February 9 sought a detailed report with regard to the illegal mining sites, seizure of illegal mining equipment and arrest of persons involved in the illegal rat-hole mining.
“A cursory glance shows that the report is exhaustive and requires a minute examination by this Court, before any further necessary and effective orders are passed,” the court said today.
Five days after the incident, Vikash Kumar, the East Jaintia Hills Superintendent of Police (SP) and Deputy Commissioner Manish Kumar were directed to appear before the High Court and submitted a status report with regard to the steps taken after the explosion.
The court directed the then SP to appear again in person today.
However, in a surprising move the State government on February 14 replaced Vikash Kumar with Pankaj Rasgania as the SP. The transfer is seen as a major shake-up in the police department, with critics questioning the timing and motives behind the move.
While Rasgania, the new SP appeared before the court today, the division bench directed that the former SP must also be present at the next hearing, scheduled on February 24, 2026.
