Shillong (Meghalaya), Dec 20: In the interest of public service and on the recommendation of the Civil Service Board, Jagpal Singh Dhanoa, IPS, SP, East Jaintia Hills District has been transferred and posted as the SP, Ri-Bhoi District, Nongpoh replacing Giri Prasad M, IPS.
Giri Prasad M, IPS, SP, Ri-Bhoi District, Nongpoh has been transferred and posted as the new SP, East Jaintia Hills District,
Earlier, Meghalaya High Court, had ordered the immediate transfer of East Jaintia Hills SP for his failure to curb illegal coal mining and transportation activities in the district despite being posted since 2021.
Acting Chief Justice HS Thangkhiew and Justice W Diengdoh observed based on an interim report submitted by former judge BK Katakey that the SP was perhaps ineffective in stemming the illegal activities.
“On the failure of the SP as can be made out from the 19th interim report, it is therefore directed that he should be immediately transferred from the present post and another competent officer be placed in-charge of the district immediately.” the high court stated.
The Court also observed that the DC and the SP who are at the ground in the district are expected to ensure that the rule of law is maintained, and the directions of the court are honoured.
The bench has also directed the home department and the DGP to take “immediate action” in this matter as a one-man committee of the court headed by former judge BK Katakey in his 19th interim report specifically mentioned about the coal found behind Don Bosco College, Byndihati is the coal that was subsequently inventoried in 2018, is not acceptable.
Former Judge, BK Katakey was appointed by the Meghalaya High Court to head a committee for recommending measures to be taken by the state in compliance with the directions issued by the Supreme Court and NGT, including the sale of already extracted coal.
The National Green Tribunal had issued a blanket ban on transportation and unscientific mining of coal in Meghalaya since 2014.
