Meghalaya High Court Expresses Concern Over Failure to Curb Illegal Rat-Hole Mining

PTI, SHILLONG, FEB 9, 2026: The Meghalaya High Court on Monday expressed serious concern over what it described as a "distressing" failure of authorities to curb rampant illegal rat-hole coal mining in East Jaintia Hills district that claimed 27 lives, officials said.

The HC bench of Judges H S Thangkhiew and W Diengdoh also warned that accountability would be fixed and an independent or central agency probe could be ordered, if required.

The observations came as Deputy Commissioner Manish Kumar and Superintendent of Police Vikash Kumar of East Jaintia Hills appeared in connection with the February 5 blast at an illegal coal mine in the Thangsku area of Mynsngat village, 130 km east of here.

A status report submitted by the district administration cited shortage of manpower, but informed the court that a criminal case had been registered and two persons arrested in connection with the incident. The bench, however, said the report raised serious concerns and reflected lapses in enforcement.

While refraining from passing detailed directions at this stage, the court directed the authorities to file a comprehensive report within 10 days detailing steps taken across the district to identify and shut illegal mining sites, seize mining equipment and arrest those involved.

The court also ordered that the report must include the status of investigation into an earlier incident on January 14, 2026, in the same area, in which a labourer from Assam was killed.

Taking note of the Thirty-Sixth Interim Report filed by the court-appointed committee headed by retired judge B P Katakey, the bench said the findings were alarming. The report, based on a site visit, documented extensive illegal mining activity not only at Thangsku but also in adjoining areas such as Mopala and Sakhain villages, allegedly in defiance of court orders and the rule of law.

"The report is distressing and reflects dereliction in the discharge of duties by the authorities concerned," the court observed, adding that accountability would be fixed and further orders could be passed for institution of a proper investigation or inquiry, including by an independent or central agency, if required.