Shillong, Feb 6 || Taking a stern view of the continued operation of illegal coal mines in Meghalaya, the High Court has ordered immediate arrests in connection with a deadly explosion at an alleged illegal mining site in East Jaintia Hills district that claimed at least 18 lives, officials said on Friday.
A division bench comprising Justice H.S. Thangkhiew and Justice W. Diengdoh took suo motu cognisance of media reports relating to the blast that occurred in the Thangsku area.
The court expressed serious concern that illegal coal mining activities were still being carried out in the district despite an earlier fatal incident reported on January 14 this year, indicating persistent violations of mining bans and court directions.
Observing that repeated tragedies point to grave administrative lapses, the bench directed the district administration and police to act without delay.
The court ordered the Deputy Commissioner and Superintendent of Police of East Jaintia Hills to identify and arrest the mine owners, operators and all those involved in the alleged illegal mining operations.
It also instructed authorities to seize all equipment, documents and other incriminating materials connected with the mining activity.