Khliehriat, February 6 : The death toll in the illegal coal mine explosion at Mynsyngat in the Thangsko area of East Jaintia Hills has risen to 25 following the recovery of additional bodies and the death of injured victims undergoing treatment .
Police said that during search and rescue operations on Friday, rescue teams recovered four more bodies from inside the mine. One injured person admitted at NEIGRIHMS, Shillong, succumbed to injuries, while two others who had sustained serious burns later died after being taken to Civil Hospitals at Khliehriat and Jowai by family members .
Out of the deceased, 17 bodies have been identified and handed over to relatives after completion of legal formalities .
Meanwhile, police have intensified the investigation and arrested two persons in connection with the illegal mining operation . The accused have been identified as Forme Chyrmang (36) of Jalaphet Pordung and Shamehi War (42) of Sutnga Pohwailong . Both were produced before court and remanded to three days of police custody .
A suo-motu case has been registered at Khliehriat Police Station under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act and the Explosive Substances Act .
Authorities said efforts are underway to identify and apprehend other persons involved, while search, investigation and legal proceedings continue .
