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Meghalaya Coal Blast: Justice R.S. Chauhan to Lead Judicial Probe as SIT Expands Illegal‑Mining Investigation

The retired high court judge will head a six‑month inquiry to fix responsibility and recommend reforms after the February 5 explosion.

Overview

  • A police Special Investigation Team led by DIG Vivekanand S. Rathore is probing the blast and about 60 registered illegal‑mining cases in East Jaintia Hills, with reports to be submitted to courts and oversight bodies.
  • Authorities reported dozens of FIRs and multiple arrests, seizing more than 15,000 tonnes of suspected illegal coal along with gelatin sticks and detonators during intensified raids.
  • The government transferred the East Jaintia Hills superintendent of police in an administrative move linked to the case.
  • A miner previously declared dead, Shyambabu Sinha, was found alive in Assam, prompting a police inquiry into identification procedures after the blast.
  • Nepal’s embassy confirmed nine Nepali deaths and said it is coordinating medical care and compensation processes with Indian authorities.