In a significant development regarding the tragic coal mine incident in Assam’s Dima Hasao district, police have arrested three additional individuals, bringing the total number of arrests to five. The incident, which occurred on January 6, involved an illegal mining operation at an abandoned mine in the Umrangso area, where at least nine labourers were feared trapped. So far, four bodies have been recovered, and rescue operations continue as authorities strive to locate the missing workers.
The three arrested individuals are identified as Sardars (supervisors) and financiers behind the illegal mining activities that led to the mishap. The arrested individuals are Rono Bhadra Hasnu, a resident of Umrangso town, Dildar Hussain from Nagaon, and Bipul Purusha from Haflong. All three were taken into custody on January 16 in Haflong by the Assam police. According to sources, Dildar Hussain is believed to be part of a network that brings labourers from various parts of India and neighboring countries like Nepal to work in illegal mines across the region.
Dima Hasao Superintendent of Police (SP) Mayank Kumar Jha confirmed that the authorities had found significant evidence against the accused individuals. He also stated that further investigation is underway, but details of the probe remain restricted for now due to its sensitive nature.
The case, registered at the Umrangso Police Station (Case No: 02/2025), includes charges under Section 3(5)/105 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), pertaining to culpable homicide not amounting to murder, and Section 21(1) of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957. Prior to this arrest, two individuals were already arrested in connection with the case.
In response to the incident, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced a judicial inquiry to be led by retired judge Anima Hazarika of the Gauhati High Court. Additionally, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) will be formed to further investigate the causes of the mishap and determine accountability. Sarma also stated that the state government would take steps to fill in all illegal mine pits in the Umrangso area to prevent similar incidents in the future.
To assist the affected families, the state government has announced a compensation of ₹10 lakh to the families of the victims. Assam’s Minister for Mines and Minerals, Kaushik Rai, personally distributed ex-gratia payments to the families of the four deceased workers. Each family received ₹10 lakh, and the families of the five missing labourers were given ₹6 lakh each.
The Assam government continues its dewatering efforts to extract water from the mine shafts, with nearly one crore liters of water being removed daily, though substantial water still remains in the pits. The authorities are working tirelessly to ensure the safe recovery of all trapped workers.
The tragic incident has raised serious concerns over the rampant illegal mining operations in Assam. Nearly 220 coal mines have been identified in the Umrangso area, and the state government has vowed to curb illegal mining activities and prevent further loss of life.
Sources By Agencies
