By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Jan 18: Despite the Meghalaya High Court’s relentless scrutiny, the illegal rat-hole mines of East Jaintia Hills have claimed another life, as a 48-year-old labourer from Assam was crushed to death in a clandestine operation at Umthe village.
Police have arrested one person in connection with the incident.
The mishap occurred at an illegal coal mine in Umthe village under Sutnga elaka, where the victim collapsed while working at the mining site on January 14. A case was registered with Khliehriat Police Station (Case No. 11/2026) under Sections 106(1), 223, 303(1) and 305(e) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, read with Section 21(1) of the MMDR Act. The deceased was identified as Mosaid Ali (48), son of Riyasad Ali, a resident of Jamuna Moudanga in Hojai district of Assam. Medical findings showed that he suffered severe crush injuries, including multiple fractured ribs and punctured lungs, reportedly caused by the fall of a heavy object.
Police arrested Sahanaj Uddin, son of Isfak Hussain, a resident of Bhairabpur Part-II, PO Kalain, Cachar district of Assam, on Sunday in connection with the case. He will be produced before the court of the Chief Judicial Magistrate.
Following the incident, the illegal coal mine was shut down. Police said an FIR has been registered and investigation is ongoing, including further examination of the arrested person after he is remanded to police custody.
A detailed report on the incident has been submitted to Justice BP Katakey, appointed by the Meghalaya High Court to monitor illegal coal mining and transportation in the state.
