Shillong(Meghalaya), Feb 16: The Meghalaya government has confirmed 33 deaths and 8 injuries in the Mynsngat-Thangsko coal mine accident on February 5. Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma announced the government’s suo-motu statement in the Legislative Assembly, detailing the relief efforts and investigations underway.
The government has disbursed ₹24 lakh to the next of kin of 8 deceased persons, with more families to receive ex-gratia relief soon. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by DIG (Eastern Range) Vivekanand S. Rathore has been formed to probe the incident, and 7 persons have been arrested.
The District Task Force has seized illegally mined coal, recovered explosives, and dismantled machinery to prevent further illegal mining. The Commission of Inquiry, headed by Justice (Retd.) R.S. Chauhan, will examine the root causes of the tragedy and suggest measures to prevent such incidents.
