33 deaths confirmed; SIT formed, 62 FIRs registered, Judicial Inquiry Commission set up
Shillong, February 16 : The Chief Minister made a suo-motu statement in the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly on the first day of Budget Session regarding the tragic mining incident at Mynsngat-Thangsko in East Jaintia Hills district that occurred on February 5, 2026, resulting in multiple fatalities and injuries.
The Chief Minister informed the House that an explosion took place at an illegal coal mining site in the area, leading to large-scale casualties.
Immediately after the incident, the District Administration, Police, SDRF, NDRF, Fire & Emergency Services and medical teams launched coordinated search and rescue operations during which 18 bodies recovered on February 5, Four bodies recovered on February 6 and Two bodies recovered on February 7. Eight injured persons were rescued, of whom four later succumbed to injuries at NEIGRIHMS, Shillong and Agie Hospital Beltola in Guwahati. Two additional deaths were confirmed by families and verified by authorities. As of February 16, 2026, the total death toll stands at 33 persons.
Search and rescue operations were officially closed at 5:00 PM on February 9 after consultation with rescue agencies.
Relief assistance has begun for affected families. An amount of ₹24 lakh has already been disbursed to the next of kin of eight deceased persons, while the process of providing ex-gratia compensation to remaining families is ongoing.
A suo-motu FIR was registered at Khliehriat Police Station under relevant provisions of BNS, MMDR Act and Explosive Substances Act. The Director General of Police constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) on February 12, headed by the DIG (Eastern Range) along with the SP and DSP of East Jaintia Hills and other officers.` Seven persons have been arrested in connection with the incident.
The District Task Force headed by the Deputy Commissioner and comprising of Superintendent of Police, DFO (Territorial), District Transport Officer, District Minning Officer and other officials has been monitoring the incident and taking a concerted effort to curb illegal mining and illegal transportation of coal. These include seizures of illegally mined coal, recovery of explosives, registration of FIRs, arrests, promulgation of prohibitory orders under Section 163 BNSS, and dismantling of cranes and allied machinery at the site to prevent resumption of illegal mining.
Five enforcement teams were mobilised along with gazetted officers, police personnel and armed battalions.
Authorities have registered 62 FIRs related to illegal coal extraction (57 after the incident), 5 FIRs for illegal transportation of coal and 2 FIRs related to explosives. Apart from the 7 accused in the main case, 7 more persons have been arrested in related offences.
A total of 15,224.72 metric tonnes of coal has been seized till February 14, along with six cranes dismantled and six vehicles seized. Police have also begun drone surveillance to monitor illegal mining activities.
The government stated that even before the incident, action had been taken in 2025 where 11,182 metric tonnes of illegal coal and machinery were seized in four cases detected through drones.
The State Government has constituted a Judicial Commission of Inquiry under the Commission of Inquiry Act, 1952 to investigate the incident and larger issues of illegal mining.
The Commission is headed by Justice (Retd.) R.S. Chauhan, with members H. Nongpluh, IPS (Retd.) and Peter Dkhar, IAS (Retd.). The panel has been given six months to submit its report.
The Commission will Investigate circumstances leading to the February 5 incident, Fix responsibility for acts or omissions, Examine root causes of illegal coal mining, Recommend preventive administrative reforms, Suggest rehabilitation and financial packages and Advise on possible legal relaxations relating to mining laws considering traditional practices.
The Chief Minister reiterated that the government is committed to preventing illegal mining and transportation while promoting scientific mining. Three scientific mining approvals have already been obtained and 20 more proposals are at an advanced stage with the Government of India.
The report of the Commission will be placed before the Assembly after completion.
