The death toll in the February 5 dynamite explosion at an illegal rat-hole coal mine in the Mynsngat–Thangsko area of Meghalaya’s East Jaintia Hills has climbed to 32 after two more injured victims died during treatment. Deputy Commissioner Manish Kumar confirmed that Jamil Ahmed Choudhury, who was undergoing treatment at Agile Hospital in Guwahati, and Deb Malakar, admitted at NEIGRIHMS in Shillong, succumbed to their injuries, taking the total fatalities to 32.
In the wake of the tragedy, the district administration has intensified its crackdown on illegal mining across the coal belt. Five multi-agency enforcement teams comprising Executive Magistrates, police personnel, and officials of the Directorate of Mineral Resources have been deployed to conduct coordinated raids. On Wednesday alone, authorities seized around 432.15 metric tonnes of coal from Iapmala village. Earlier operations on February 10 had resulted in the confiscation of large quantities of coal from multiple locations, including Sohkymphor Road, Byrwai Road, Iurimkhliehshnong and the Byrwai–Ladmynska stretch, pushing the total coal seized in the ongoing drive to over 4,800 metric tonnes. Several FIRs have been registered and legal proceedings are under way.
To ensure public safety and facilitate enforcement, the District Magistrate has imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, empowering authorities to dismantle illegal structures and remove machinery such as coal-lifting cranes and temporary sheds from the blast site.
Meanwhile, the Embassy of Nepal has contacted the district administration seeking details about its citizens, as 15–18 Nepali labourers were reportedly working near the site when the explosion occurred. Officials said the investigation is ongoing and includes verification of affected workers. The probe is also examining labour recruitment networks, the role of intermediaries, wage arrangements, and living conditions of workers in the coal belt. Authorities clarified that there is no confirmed evidence of Bangladeshi labourers being involved.
Fresh allegations have surfaced linking rampant illegal mining in East Jaintia Hills to a shadowy network of politically connected individuals and influential families operating behind the scenes. Sources claim those arrested so far are minor operatives, while real control lies with powerful figures enjoying political backing. The disaster has drawn intense media scrutiny and renewed concerns over enforcement failures, accountability, and the continued existence of banned rat-hole mining in the region.
