Shillong, February 9 The Deputy Commissioner and the SP of East Jaintia Hills district appeared before the Meghalaya High Court on Monday in connection with the February 5 explosion at an illegal coal mine in the district, which claimed 27 lives.
The High Court had taken cognizance of a media report on the incident on Friday and directed the two senior district officials to appear in person and inform it about the actions taken.
SP Vikash Kumar said that an FIR has now been registered in connection with the illegal mining blast.
"The High Court had sought compliance, and we were called for personal appearance in that connection," he told
"As the matter is under investigation, we cannot say much at this stage. We will do whatever is required as per law," he said.
According to the district police chief, search, rescue, and investigation were continuing simultaneously and no more bodies were recovered on Sunday and Monday.
The SP said that arrests have already been made in the case.
"The investigation is moving in the right direction, and I am sure it will be taken to its logical conclusion," he said.
Teams from the National Disaster Response Force, State Disaster Response Force, and specialized rescue units are deployed at the site, he said.
Further decisions on the continuation of the operation will be taken after assessing the terrain and prevailing conditions, the SP added.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma had announced that a judicial inquiry will be commissioned to investigate the blast.
Police have arrested the two owners of the mine, while a third one is on the run.