Shillong, Feb 15: The state government has transferred East Jaintia Hills Superintendent of Police Vikash Kumar in the wake of the February 5 Mynsngat-Thangsko mine explosion that killed more than 30 workers.
Anti-Narcotic Task Force SP Pankaj Rasgania will take over the district charge, said a notification issued by Commissioner & Secretary in-charge Home (Police) CVD Diengdoh on Saturday.
The move follows Director General of Police Idashisha Nongrang’s February 12 order constituting a nine-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the blast inside an illegal coal mine.
“In order to ensure a fair, impartial and expeditious investigation…the DGP, Meghalaya is pleased to constitute a special investigation team with immediate effect,” the order read.
The SIT, headed by Dy. Inspector General of Police (Eastern Range) Vivekanand S Rathore, must ascertain causes and circumstances, probe violations of court orders and NGT directions, and submit time-bound findings.
Search and rescue were called off on February 9 after assessment teams concluded no survivors remained.
Four people have been arrested, and authorities say thousands of metric tonnes of illegal coal have been seized amid intensified raids on labour camps in coal-bearing areas.
Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma has also announced a judicial commission to fix responsibility.
The NGT’s 2014 ban on rat-hole mining and coal transport in Meghalaya remains in force, but illegal operations persist.
The DGP’s order added that the SIT will ensure the investigation is brought “to its logical conclusion and…justice in accordance with law.”
Also Read: Asia’s longest caves at risk, law broken: Meghalalya village asks PM to suspend Shree Cement hearing
Also Watch
Find latest news from every corner of Northeast India at hubnetwork.in, your online source for breaking news, video coverage.
Also, Follow us on
Twitter-twitter.com/nemediahub
Youtube channel- www.youtube.com/@NortheastMediaHub2020
Instagram- www.instagram.com/ne_media_hub
Download our app from playstore – Northeast Media Hub
