Shillong, 25 July (HS): The Meghalaya High Court has demanded a thorough explanation from the state government following the unexplained disappearance of nearly 4,000 metric tonnes of coal from official depots.

The missing coal, which had been recorded during earlier surveys, was stored in Rajaju and Diengngan villages. Its sudden absence has not only raised alarms about lapses in oversight but has also sparked suspicion of administrative negligence or possible foul play.

Presiding over the matter, a bench led by Justice HS Thangkhiew issued firm directions to state officials and concerned agencies to identify those accountable. The court referred to the 31st interim report submitted by the Justice (Retd) BP Katakey Committee, which is overseeing coal-related activities in the state.

In response, the High Court has ordered the state to file a comprehensive affidavit detailing how the coal went missing and what steps are being taken to recover it. This incident has reignited the debate over illegal coal mining in Meghalaya, with fresh demands for stringent monitoring and institutional transparency.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash