Meghalaya High Court Orders Arrests in Illegal Coal Mining Case After Jaintia Hills Blast

The Meghalaya High Court has directed the immediate arrest of those involved in alleged illegal coal mining following a mine blast in East Jaintia Hills that claimed at least 18 lives. The Court also summoned the district Superintendent of Police and Deputy Commissioner to appear before it.

The directions were issued in a suo motu case initiated after media reports on the explosion at an illegal coal mine in the Thangsku area.

The Bench ordered authorities to identify and arrest mine owners and operators, seize incriminating materials, and ensure medical assistance to affected persons.

Senior officials have been asked to file an action-taken report and remain personally present before the Court on February 9.