Shillong, Jan 22: Meghalaya Police have registered cases after 6 people have died in East Jaiñtia Hills District in a coal mine accident. Although, there was no trace of coal found from the incident sight.

The Deputy Commissioner East Jaintia Hills E Kharmalki said, “It’s not coal mining because there is no coal found in the place of occurrence, yes 6 people found dead in the incident.”

“We have conducted the magistrate inquest and the post mortem was done at CIC in Khliehriat, so far relatives of five decreased have identified their bodies,” the DC said.

The incident occurred around 12 to 1 PM on Thursday at a place known as Sorkari near Dienshlalu Village in East Jaiñtia Hills District, Meghalaya.

According to Home Minister Lahkmen Rymbui, police were informed about the incident at 5.30 pm on Thursday the cause of death is yet to be ascertained in absence of any witness.

The Home Minister told reporters, “According to the prima facie report, it seems there was an accident with the crane which was used in mining. But the exact report I don’t have it with me.”

The bucket attached to a crane carrying the workers snapped off plunging the workers to their death, Rymbui informed.

Rymbui further said that the Sordar of the area who brought these people to work is also absconding.

Asked, he said, “If at all there is illegal mining, then the law will take its own course.”

He further added, “The duty of the government is to prevent illegalities and it is not that I can rule out everything. But these kinds of incidents open our eyes that we need to monitor closely to prevent illegal mining, especially these types of incidents where six lives were lost.”