The owner of an abandoned mine in Shallang, where two coal miners from Assam were killed, secured bail soon after he surrendered.
The mine owner, Alfred Rongrin of Kyllonmathei village appeared before the police yesterday after absconding on February 16 soon after the incident.
Police had earlier registered a suo motu case in Shallang police station against the mine owner for the death of coal mine workers, Sukur Ali (35) and Ainudin Ali (35) from Boko inside an abandoned coal mine in Langmar.
West Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police, Herbert G Lyngdoh said the mine owner admitted to have illegally induced ‘reconnaissance for prospecting illegal coal mining operation in the area without permit or license thereby violating section 4(1) of MMDR Act and the order of the NGT’.
The SP said by violating the rules, the two workers lost their lives due to act of negligence and irresponsible behaviour on the part of the mine owner.
Meanwhile, seven persons who were named by a nokma of Nengchigen village for illegal coal mining in the clan land secured bail.
In both cases, the police issued 41-A CrPC notice to facilitate their bail without arresting them. 41-A CrPC is the notice of appearance before the police officer.
The SP said that sections against the accused are bailable and hence they were granted bail by the police.
Kristina G Marak, a clan nokma in a complaint to the Shallang police station alleged that rat-hole coal mining was being carried in the area by Alnet Marak, Clington Marak, Pandit Momin, Toban Marak, Nazim Ali, Lipson Momin and Pangseng Sangma. She also mentioned about the presence of armed militants used to protect the dubious activity.
The nokma said these seven persons had also threatened clan members when they were asked to stop the mining. She said they were getting the support of the police in the area, who are paid Rs 500 per trip by coal laden trucks transporting coal.
As per the complaint, the persons are also working hand in gloves with three illegal coal check gates at Rengchi, Rajagula and Chimilam under the village.
