Meghalaya: Over 900 MT of coal disappears from South West Khasi Hills again

Shillong: Once again, about 920.73 MT of assessed illicit coal has mysteriously disappeared from two villages in South West Khasi Hills, Meghalaya, as revealed in the latest report on rampant coal crimes.

The 33rd interim report by retired Justice BP Katakey, submitted recently to the Meghalaya High Court, exposes the fresh theft in Rajaju and Diengngan villages. An aerial survey by the Meghalaya Basin Development Authority (MBDA) had identified 2,121.62 MT in Rajaju and 1,839.03 MT in Diengngan.

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However, a three-member probe panel—comprising the Additional District Magistrate and two Executive Magistrates—appointed by the South West Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner found only 1,534.28 MT and 1,505.64 MT respectively on the ground.

The panel's September findings prompted the Deputy Commissioner to file an FIR over the missing 920.73 MT. While 3,039.92 MT of remaining coal was seized and earmarked for transfer to Coal India Limited's (CIL) Nongjri depot—with ample space confirmed—no update has been provided on the relocation of the vanished stock.

Justice Katakey has urged the immediate transfer of the missing coal to Nongjri for auction under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957.

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The incident mirrors July's outrage, detailed in the 31st interim report, where over 4,000 MT evaporated from depots in West Khasi Hills and Ri-Bhoi. MBDA records showed hefty stockpiles, but inspections uncovered mere traces—2.5 MT in Ri-Bhoi and 8 MT in West Khasi Hills. Then-Cabinet Minister Kyrmen Shylla's claim that rain "washed away" the coal triggered public fury, compelling the government to order inquiries.

Those probe results remain pending.