SHILLONG, FEB 13: The state Director General of Police (DGP) Idashisha Nongrang has constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the explosion incident which killed over 30 workers in an illegal coal mine at Mynsngat-Thangsko, East Jaintia Hills.
“In view of the recent coal mine accident that occurred at Thangsko, East Jaintia Hills District, Khliehriat and in order to ensure a fair, impartial and expeditious investigation into the circumstances leading to the incident, the DGP, Meghalaya is pleased to constitute a special investigation team (SIT) with immediate effect,” Nongrang said in her order.
The nine-member SIT will be headedby Dy. Inspector General of Police (ER) Vivekanand S Rathore.
The SIT has been directed to ascertain the cause and circumstances leading to the incident, to conduct a comprehensive investigation intot he mining accident at Thangsko and to identify violations of Court’s order/NGT directions relating to illegal mining activities.
“(The SIT) will also ensure that the investigation is carried out in a time-bound manner so as to bring the case to its logical conclusion and ensure delivery of justice in accordance with law,” the order stated.
On February 9, the state government had called off search and rescue operations at the ste of the illegal coal mine blast after assessment teams concluded that there was no further possibility of locating survivors trapped inside the mine.
Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma had also announced a judicial inquiry commission to ascertain the circumstances leading to the blast and to fix responsibility for the incident.
 Idashisha Nongrang has constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the explosion incident which killed over 30 workers in an illegal coal mine at Mynsngat-Thangsko, East Jaintia Hills.){kind=link}