The investigation into the illegal rat-hole mining incident in Umrangso, Tin Kilo has intensified, with the number of arrests increasing to 11 as of Saturday after six more individuals were taken into custody. Those apprehended include Sumanjit Langthasa, Santosh Gurung, Afjal Hussain, Bikram Girisa, and Mon Bahadur Rai from Dima Hasao, along with Afjal Hussain and Enam Uddin from Hojai. These arrests followed the directives of Director General of Police (DGP) GP Singh, as confirmed by Dima Hasao Superintendent of Police, Mayank Kumar Jha.
Efforts are underway to seal all rat-hole mines and restrict access, part of an all-out initiative to eliminate illegal mining activities and seize equipment. Earlier arrests included Rono Bhadra Hasnu, Dildar Hussain, and Bipul Purusha, along with Hanan Laskar, the coal mine manager, and Phunesh Nunisa.
The illegal coal mining operation led to a tragedy on January 6, with at least nine laborers feared trapped inside an abandoned mine. So far, four bodies have been recovered, and rescue operations continue with the aid of the Army, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF).
Mines and Minerals Minister Kaushik Rai has extended an ex-gratia payment of Rs. 10 lakhs to the families of the deceased on January 18. The same compensation will be provided to the next of kin of the five individuals still missing, irrespective of their status. The distribution was overseen by Debolal Garlosa, Chief Executive Member (CEM) of the North Cachar Hills Autonomous Council, against whom multiple FIRs have been filed in connection with the incident, implicating also his wife Kanika.
In response, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced a judicial inquiry, led by retired Gauhati High Court judge Anima Hazarika, and a Special Investigation Team (SIT) will probe the matter, monitored by the inquiry committee.
Original Source: https://assamtribune.com/assam/umrangso-coal-mine-crisis-six-more-arrests-bring-total-to-11-1565230
Category : Assam,Featured
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Publish Date: 2025-01-19 16:59:00
