9 workers trapped in ‘illegal’ coal mine in Assam; one arrested

 

 

ASSAM Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said on Tuesday that a person has been arrested after nine workers were trapped inside a coal mine in Dima Hasao district, which “appears to be illegal”. He also said a case was registered in connection with the incident that occurred on Monday in Umrangso area. Rescue operations have been continuing since Monday but no worker has been brought out of the quarry so far, a district official said.

 

‘The police have registered an FIR under Umrangso PS Case No: 02/2025, citing Sections 3(5)/105 BNS, r/w Section 21(1) of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, to investigate the incident. Prima facie, it appears to be an illegal mine. One Punish Nunisa has been arrested in connection with the case,” the chief minister posted on ‘X’. Navy divers have been requisitioned to assist local authorities in rescuing the nine labourers trapped inside the coal mine as the water level inside the quarry has risen to nearly 100 feet, Sarma said. The divers are flying in from Visakhapatnam and are expected to arrive soon, he said.

 

‘Navy deep divers have been requisitioned to assist in the rescue operation. The water level inside the mine has risen to nearly 100 feet, according to the assessment by the stationed team. The divers are flying in from Visakhapatnam and are expected to arrive soon,” the Chief Minister posted on ‘X’. A 35-member NDRF team, led by Commandant H P S Kandari, is conducting rescue operations at the site. Army personnel have been engaged to rescue the nine labourers and a relief task force comprising specialists such as divers and sappers, equipped with essential tools, reached the site in Umrangso, a defence spokesperson said.