Coal was seized today from a mine in Nengchigen, West Khasi Hills.
Police had inspected the site yesterday after a Nokma had exposed it as a place where illegal rat-hole coal mining was going on.
Although the government at first played the whole thing down, saying that one incident did not signify that illegal mining is rife within the state, as has been alleged by the opposition and even members within the government, the authorities were forced to act after the High Court took interest in the case and ordered for a report from the government.
The court sought an independent report from the Chief Secretary and the acting Director General of Police.
The inquiry report regarding illegal coal mining in the state, especially at Nengchigen, will be filed by Chief Secretary Rebecca V Suchiang before the deadline given by the Meghalaya High Court.
The independent report on the matter will be submitted to the court at the next hearing on March 2.
