Meghalaya Coal Mine Explosion: 16 Labourers Dead, Many Feared Trapped in Illegal Operation

• At least 16 labourers were killed and several others are feared trapped after an explosion rocked an illegal coal mine in Meghalaya's East Jaintia Hills district.
• Director General of Police I Nongrang confirmed the recovery of 16 bodies and ongoing search operations in the Thangsku area.
• One injured person was referred to a Shillong hospital; the mine is suspected to be operating illegally, violating NGT and Supreme Court bans.
• The explosion occurred during suspected illegal rat-hole mining, a practice banned since 2014 due to environmental damage and safety risks.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief, announced Rs 2 lakh ex-gratia for the deceased's families and Rs 50,000 for the injured from PMNRF.