SHILLONG : The death toll in the illegal coal mine explosion in Meghalaya’s East Jaintia Hills district rose to 25 on February 6, as search and rescue operations continued at the Mynsyngat-Thangsko mining area, police said.

According to a press release issued by the Superintendent of Police, East Jaintia Hills, rescue teams recovered four additional bodies from inside the mine during operations on Friday. One injured miner undergoing treatment at the North Eastern Indira Gandhi Regional Institute of Health and Medical Sciences (NEIGRIHMS) in Shillong also succumbed to injuries.

Police said two more critically injured persons, who had sustained severe burns and injuries following the explosion and subsequent fire, later died. Their bodies were brought by family members to Civil Hospital, Khliehriat, and Civil Hospital, Jowai.

With these deaths, the total toll has reached 25. Of the deceased, 17 bodies have been identified and handed over to their families after completion of legal formalities, officials said.

In connection with the incident, police have registered a suo motu FIR at Khliehriat Police Station (Case No. 14/2026) under Sections 105, 118(2) and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), read with Sections 21 and 21(1) of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, and Section 3 of the Explosive Substances Act.

So far, two persons have been arrested in the case. They have been identified as Forme Chyrmang (36), son of late Kom Dkhar of Jalaphet Pordung, and Shamehi War (42), son of Wiseman Syrti of Sutnga Pohwailong, both residents of East Jaintia Hills district. The accused were produced before a court and remanded to three days of police custody.

Police said efforts are underway to identify and apprehend other individuals involved in the illegal mining operation. Search operations, investigation and related legal proceedings are continuing.