Six killed in mining accident at EJH, case registered against employer

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJanuary 22, 2021

At least six persons were killed in a tragic mining-related accident in coal rich district of East Jaintia Hills on Thursday night. 

Confirming the incident on Friday, Deputy Commissioner E Kharmalki informed that the incident took place in a mining site at Sarkari near Dienshalalu and Rymbai village yesterday. 

“Altogether, six persons were killed in the incident. The workers were digging a hole but suddenly their mechanical structure got snapped and broken the digger tool carrier due to which they fell into the pit and died,” he said. 

The DC also informed that so far, five of the six deceased persons have been identified and their respective family members have been informed for claiming the bodies. 

Most of them are from neighbouring state of Assam.

The six people killed in Deinshalalu were identified as Jilal Uddin (25) from Jalabad, Karimganj, Dilwar Hussain (35), Ali Hussain (40) and Mokbul Hussain who are brothers and hailed from Karimganj, Abdul Sabur (32) from Laborputa, Silchar district. The sixth person is yet to be identified.

According to him, the bodies are being taken to the hospital for post mortem examination.

On being asked if the workers were being engaged in coal mining, Kharmalki however said that whether they were engaging in coal mining or stone mining activities, that is yet to be ascertain since “no coal was found in the hole they were digging.” 

The DC said that the employer is yet to be identified but a case against him/her has already been registered by the police so that action can be taken as per law. 

To another query, the DC said further investigation into the case will also be carried out.