Shillong, Feb 9: The High Court of Meghalaya may entrust a central/ or independent agency to probe the illegal mining in many areas of East Jaintia Hills.
After taking up the pending PIL on Monday, the court referred to the 36th report of former Judge BP Katakey and observed, “The Report is distressing and reflects the dereliction in the discharge of duties by the authorities concerned. This Court makes it clear that accountability will be fixed, and if necessary, further orders will be passed for the institution of a proper investigation and inquiry by an independent or central agency.”
The 36th report was filed by Katakey after visiting the accident site at Mynsngat-Thangsko, along with photographs and information received relating to casualties in the incident.
“Photographs have also been annexed to show that there has been rampant mining in adjoining areas, such as Mopala and Sakhain Villages, as well as in the other nearby areas, it appears with impunity to the orders of the Court and the Rule of Law”, the Division Bench comprising Justices.HS Thangkhiew and W. Diengdoh said.
The court said, as directed by the order dated 05.02.2026, Manish Kumar, Deputy Commissioner, East Jaintia Hills District and Vikash Kumar, Superintendent of Police, East Jaintia Hills District, were present in the court.
A status report with regard to the steps taken after the blast at Thangsko was placed before the court, and what has been highlighted is the shortage of personnel, apart from the steps taken for registering a case and the arrest of two persons. “This court at this stage will not pass any detailed orders but directs a detailed report to be filed within 10(ten) days as to the further steps taken in the entire district about the illegal mining sites, seizure of illegal mining equipment and arrest of persons involved in the illegal rat-hole mining, especially at Mynsngat-Thangsko”, the court said
The court said further orders will be passed with regard to the award of further compensation after the report is received.
“In the detailed report, the investigation carried out about the earlier incident that occurred on 14.01.2026 at Thangsko, resulting in the death of a labourer from Assam, should also be included”, the court said.
The court wanted a copy of the 36th interim report of Katakey to be given to the Advocate General
The personal appearance of the Deputy Commissioner was dispensed with for the time being, but the Superintendent of Police should be present on the next date of hearing on February 19, the order said.
