Assam Cracks Down on Illegal Rat-Hole Mining After Fatal Coal Mine Incident
Authorities seal over 13 mines, arrest multiple individuals, and launch judicial and special investigations following a deadly coal mine collapse in Dima Hasao.
- A collapse in a rat-hole coal mine in Umrangso, Dima Hasao district, on January 6 left nine miners trapped; four bodies have been recovered, and rescue efforts continue for five others.
- In response, Assam authorities have intensified operations, sealing over 13 illegal rat-hole mines in Tinsukia's Margherita area and arresting at least 15 individuals across multiple districts.
- A joint operation involving India Limited, local police, and government officials seized mining equipment, sealed an abandoned Coal India office, and dismantled power supplies to illegal sites.
- Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced a judicial inquiry led by retired Gauhati High Court judge Anima Hazarika, along with the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the incident.
- Families of the deceased have been provided compensation of Rs. 10 lakhs, with the same amount promised to the next of kin of the five miners still missing.
Free Press Journal 
Hindustan Times 
