Police in Meghalaya have initiated a detailed investigation into the tragic death of a man, which preliminary reports suggest was caused by a dynamite explosion at his workplace in East Jaintia Hills district. Authorities have registered a suo motu case related to accidental death as they work to piece together the exact circumstances of the fatal incident.
Victim Succumbs to Burns, Case Registered Based on Dying Declaration
The victim has been identified as Ashok Tamang. He passed away from severe burn injuries on January 1 at the Shillong Civil Hospital. His ordeal began earlier when he was first admitted to the Sutnga Community Health Centre on December 23, before being referred to Shillong for advanced care.
District Superintendent of Police Vikash Kumar stated that the investigation was launched based on Tamang's dying declaration. "We have registered a suo motu case under Section 105 of the BNS concerning accidental death," Kumar explained. He emphasized that the probe will focus on determining the precise location of Tamang's workplace and the events that led to him handling dynamite.
The SP clarified a key point from the victim's statement: Tamang did not specifically mention coal mining as the context for the incident, only indicating it happened at his place of work. The police have also noted that the Justice BP Katakey Committee has requested a report on the matter. Authorities have assured that all available details will be provided once the investigation concludes.
Human Rights Commission Takes Suo Motu Cognizance of Fatal Blast
In a parallel development highlighting the seriousness of the incident, the Meghalaya Human Rights Commission (MHRC) has independently taken suo motu cognizance of media reports concerning the death. The commission's notice references reports about two persons dying in Thangsko village, East Jaintia Hills, allegedly due to a dynamite blast.
The MHRC has issued a formal notice to the District Superintendent of Police of East Jaintia Hills. It has directed the police to conduct an effective and thorough inquiry into the deaths and to submit a detailed report to the commission. This move underscores the institutional scrutiny the case is now under.
Separate Probe into HNLC-Linked IED Attack Continues
In a related but separate case of explosives-related violence in the region, police are actively searching for the masterminds behind an IED attack on the Dhar Construction Company campus at Shymplong village on December 15. That explosion damaged a water tanker but, fortunately, caused no injuries.
Police have already made headway in this case, arresting two suspects: Richard Suchen (31) and Pynshaitbor Syih (45). The outlawed militant group Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) claimed responsibility for this attack. In their statement, the HNLC alleged the attack targeted property linked to Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar, claiming it was in retaliation for a refused extortion demand.
Authorities have identified the alleged masterminds of this attack as Smiki Tongper of Shymplong and Issei Sungoh, described as an HNLC cadre from Khliehriat. Both individuals are already wanted in separate criminal cases, adding layers to the ongoing law enforcement challenges in the district.
The concurrent investigations into the fatal dynamite blast and the militant IED attack highlight the complex security and industrial safety landscape in parts of Meghalaya, bringing issues of workplace safety, unlawful mining activities, and militant violence into sharp focus.
