In a major escalation of enforcement against banned illegal coal mining, police in East Jaintia Hills have arrested 14 individuals, including seven directly linked to the tragic February 5 explosion at an illegal coal mine in Mynsngat-Thangsko that claimed 31 lives.
The arrests are part of an intensified 45-day crackdown launched on January 1, 2026, following directives from the National Green Tribunal. The operation gained urgency after the fatal blast exposed the continuing dangers of unregulated rat-hole mining in the region.
An East Jaintia Hills official confirmed that seven suspects—Forme Chyrmang, Shamehi War, Process Phawa, Tensing Suchiang, Yoomiki Syih, Ernest Swer, and Rangsing Syiemlieh (alias Mithun)—were apprehended in connection with the explosion. Ernest Swer and Rangsing Syiemlieh remain in police custody as investigations continue.
The remaining seven arrests relate to three separate cases: Sahanaj Uddin and Abansan Syrti in the Umthe case; Narayan Majumdar, Salim Uddin Choudhury, and Safrul Islam Choudhury in the Umpleng case; and Rishna Sutnga and Skhemborlang Kshiar in the Umkiang case.
Police have registered a total of 62 FIRs linked to illegal coal extraction across the district, including five cases predating the Mynsngat-Thangsko incident. Additionally, five FIRs concern illegal coal transportation, while two involve the seizure of explosives used in mining activities.
During the crackdown, authorities seized approximately 15,224.72 metric tonnes of coal (with further quantities under assessment by the Department of Mineral Resources), five vehicles, 25.5 kg of gelatin sticks, and 74 detonators.
In response to the tragedy and ongoing violations, the Meghalaya government has appointed Justice R. S. Chauhan as Chairman of a Judicial Inquiry Commission to investigate the February 5 explosion and broader illegal mining practices in the state. Meanwhile, Director General of Police Idashisha Nongrang has constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to conduct a comprehensive probe into the blast.
The arrests and seizures highlight authorities’ renewed push to curb illegal mining, amid growing calls for stricter enforcement and accountability to prevent further loss of life in Meghalaya’s coal belt. Investigations are ongoing, officials said.
