Shillong,Feb 21: The owner of an abandoned mine in Shallang, West Khasi Hills where two miners from Boko were killed, secured bail soon after his surrender on Sunday.
In a separate case on illegal coal mining ,seven persons were released on bail following a recent complaint of a Nokma in the district.
In both cases, the police resorted to issuing of 41-A CrPC notice to facilitate their bail without arresting them. 41-A CrPC is the notice of appearance before the police officer.
According to West Khasi Hills SP, Herbert G Lyngdoh, the sections against the accused are bailable and hence they were granted bail by the police.
The mine owner, Alfred Rongri alias Pek, a resident of West Khasi Hills village Kyllonmathei, appeared before the police on Sunday afternoon after absconding on February 16 soon after the incident.
Police had earlier registered a suo motu case in Shallang police station against the mine owner for the death of the two coal labourers, Sukur Ali and Ainudin Ali ( 35 ) from Boko in Langmar coal quarry (in picture).
The cases were under sections 188/304A IPC, R/W Sec. 21(1)of MMDR Act.
The SP said the mine owner admiited that he had illegally induced ‘reconnaissance for prospecting illegal coal mining operation in the area without permit or license thereby violating section 4(1) of MMDR Act and the order of the NGT’.
The SP said by violating the rules, the two workers lost their lives due to act of negligence and irresponsible behaviour on the part of the mine owner.
Nokma case
Earlier on February 14,,Kristina Marak, the Nokma of Nengchigen village, had lodged a complaint about rampant rat-hole coal mining activities in the area naming seven persons- Alnet Marak, Clington Marak, Pandit Momin, Toban Marak, Nazim Ali, Lipson Momin and Pangseng Sangma.
The FIR alleged that they threatened the villagers who wanted to stop illegal mining activities and the police were charging Rs 500 per trip by the trucks carrying coal with the support of the accused.
The FiR also pointed out that illegal check gates were set up in Rengchi, Rajagula and Chimilam.
The Nokma also reported about the presence of militants.
The SP said the accused were served with 41-A CrPC notice and they were granted bail as the arrest was not necessary.
