Shillong, Feb 13: Meghalaya Police has constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the illegal coal mine explosion that claimed at least 31 lives.
The deadly explosion occurred on February 5 at Thangsko area in East Jaintia Hills district.
In an order Director General of Police (DGP) Idashisha Nongrang said in view of the recent coal mine accident that occurred at Thangsko, the SIT has been formed to ensure a fair, impartial and expeditious investigation into the circumstances leading to the incident.
The nine-member SIT will be headed by Deputy Inspector General of Police (Eastern Range) Vivekanand Singh Rathore.
Nongrang directed the team to ascertain the cause and circumstances leading to the incident, to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the mining accident and to identify violations of court’s order/NGT directions relating to illegal mining activities.
“The SIT will also ensure that the investigation is carried out in a time-bound manner so as to bring the case to its logical conclusion and ensure delivery of justice in accordance with law,” the DGP stated in the order.
Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma had also announced that a judicial inquiry commission would ascertain the circumstances leading to the blast and fix responsibility for the incident.
Besides, the Meghalaya High Court had directed the State government to submit a detailed report within 10 days with regards to illegal rat-hole mining and arrest of persons involved.
The National Green Tribunal has initiated suo motu of the explosion, while the National Human Rights Commission has issued notices to the Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police, seeking a detailed report on the death of mine workers within two weeks.
