Shillong, Feb 12: Meghalaya Police have arrested two individuals, including a coal mine owner and an operator, in connection with the recent illegal coal mine explosion that claimed 30 lives in East Jaintia Hills district.
The arrested individuals have been identified as Process Dkhar from Sutnga and Tensing Suchiang from Umlawang village.
“Two more have been arrested. One is a coal mine owner and the other is the one who is managing the operation of the illegal coal mine,” Superintendent of Police (SP) Vikash Kumar said.
Earlier, police had arrested two coal miners, Forme Chyrmang (36) of Jalaphet Pordung village and Shamehi War (42) of Sutnga Pohwaiolong, who have been remanded to 14-day judicial custody.
Police are investigating the wider network involved in the illegal mining operations, including possible financiers and transporters linked to the site.
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) had banned rat-hole mining in Meghalaya in 2014 due to environmental concerns and safety risks.
Also Read: Mine blast toll rises to 32 in Meghalaya; over 4,800 MT coal seized in crackdown
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