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Illegal mining proved after coal seizure, arrest of mine owner in Shallang

Shillong, Aug 19: The arrest of the coal mine owner and seizure of coal (in picture) in Shallang, West Khasi Hills following the death of a miner and injury to another, has proved that illegal coal mining is thriving in remote areas of the state.

Police said that on Friday around 5 am to 6 am, the miners Lependro Sangma (34) and  Hendit Momin (33) from Uguri (Goraimari village)  under Kharkutta PS, North Garo Hills had gone to the coal mine at Urak, Riangdim on being instructed by the mine owner. “However, unfortunately when both of them entered, the mine collapsed where (L) Lependro Sangma has lost his life while  Hendit Momin sustained serious injuries.

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Police seized around 7-8 tons of coal, two thelas used for ferrying coal from inside the coal quarry to the depot, two showels, and two pick axes.

According to West Khasi Hills police, coal quarry owner  Hubath R Sangma, a resident of  Songsak Gurakalam village, Shallang, was arrested by the police in connection with the death of the coal mine worker.

The coal quarry was located inside the deep jungle of Urak and is only accessible by a two-hour hour journey on foot.

“The distance from Shallang PS to Urak is around 25 km @2 hours by foot with an additional one hour road journey”, police said.

West Khasi Hills police chief Herbert Lyngdoh said police are constantly doing periodic raids on any form of illegal transportation and extraction of coal and will go all out to check this illegality.

Regarding the incident, police said a team led by B. Kharjana, Deputy  Superintendent of Police (headquarters), West Khasi Hills, together with officers and personnel from Shallang police station had visited the spot and conducted a thorough enquiry.

“A  case vide Shallang PS C/No. 28(8)2022 U/s 188/304A IPC R/w Sec 21 (1) MMDR Act has been registered on the basis of the FIR lodged by SI B.P Talang, Officer-in-Charge of  Shallang PS.

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