The Meghalaya High Court has granted interim bail to two coal barons including the brother of cabinet minister Kyrmen Shylla in connection with the recent accident at a coal mine in Rymbai, East Jaintia Hills death where six labourers were killed.
On January 21, six coal miners working at a mine at Sorkari Deiñshalu fell into a 150 feet deep pit after the crane, which they were using to dig the tunnel, broke apart. The deceased hailed from Karimganj district of Assam.
Following this incident, Khliehriat police on January 22 registered an FIR against two coal barons – Bison Shylla and Tiufill Shadap. Bison Shylla is the elder brother of cabinet minister Kyrmen Shylla.
Fearing arrest, the two moved the High Court seeking anticipatory bail.
During a hearing in the High Court yesterday, Dr. N Mozika, lawyer for the two petitioners, told the court that the petitioners were nowhere involved in the incident. He also stated that the police came looking for them in connection with the case.
In an order passed yesterday, the bench of Justice Wanlura Diengdoh granted interim bail to the two coal barons on condition that they shall not abscond and tamper with evidence and witnesses and also that they shall cooperate with the Investigating Officer of Khliehriat police as and when required.
The High Court also directed the Investigating Officer to produce the case diary before the court in order to come to a conclusion as far as the complicity of the two petitioners is concerned. The next hearing on the matter will take place on February 17.
Since the January 21 incident, there have been allegations that Bison Shylla is connected with the coal mine where the incident happened.
However, Bison’s brother and cabinet minister, Kyrmen Shylla said he is ready to face a CBI inquiry.
“Even if any of my family members is involved, they should be punished equally as per the law,” said Kyrmen Shylla.
It may be noted that Bison Shylla was also arrested in March last year by Umkiang police for alleged involvement in illegal transportation of coal.
A few days back, the NGT committee headed by Justice B D Agarwal had asked the Meghalaya government to take action against the owner of the coal mine where the six labourers from Assam died.
The Congress, BJP and some organisations from Jaintia Hills have alleged that illegal mining and transportation of coal is going on in the State with the knowledge of the State government.
