In a blistering takedown of what he termed a “well-scripted modus operandi” of coal corruption, Leader of Opposition and former Meghalaya Chief Minister Dr. Mukul Sangma tore into the state machinery, alleging a systemic cover-up of illegal coal mining activities across Meghalaya.
Citing revelations made by Justice B.P. Katakey, who heads the Supreme Court-appointed committee on coal, Dr. Sangma said: “This is not the first instance. You were with me in West Jaintia Hills where, as per official assessments, coal deposits vanished overnight. I personally wrote to the then Chief Secretary of Meghalaya, but what we see is a deeply orchestrated script being played out with impunity.”
Raising serious concerns over the complete disappearance of inventoried coal stocks, Sangma demanded physical verification of all depots. “This is part of their well-scripted modus operandi. Justice Katakey must go beyond his current mandate and visit other depots where lifting is yet to take place. Even the coal meant for auction must be physically verified,” he insisted.
Taking aim at investigative lethargy, Sangma alleged that deliberate delay and botched inquiries have become tools to bury evidence. “There is no fear of law. The FIRs from various police stations end up stating there’s no substantive evidence. This isn’t coincidence—it’s design,” he declared.
Dr. Sangma also flagged a demographic concern arising from unchecked influx in coal-bearing districts. “Every evening, one can see coal labourers crowding markets. Who brings them in when there’s no legal mining? These are syndicates operating freely,” he said, referring to recent reports of illegal mining near New Shillong Township in Mawkasiang and across Ri-Bhoi along the Assam border.
He pointed fingers at officials aiding and abetting these operations. “Mining leases have been monopolised while illegal mining thrives. If the landowner permits such activity, he too must be considered a partner in crime. Section 21 of the MMDR Act makes this a cognizable offence,” he reminded, underlining the urgent need for accountability.
He called for prosecution under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), stating, “Ill-gotten money from these activities qualifies as proceeds of crime. The ED raids in Assam and Meghalaya have already exposed key networks.”
Dr. Sangma categorically demanded Supreme Court-monitored investigation, arguing that the scale of illegality has spilled beyond Meghalaya’s borders. “Let’s be very frank. Clubbing cases will only dilute them. Each case must be tried individually. This can no longer be restricted to the jurisdiction of the Meghalaya High Court. The Supreme Court must intervene,” he asserted.
In his closing remarks, Dr. Sangma challenged the very intent of the state and central authorities: “If the government fails to act on cognizable offences, their complicity cannot be ruled out. The Government of India must act to safeguard the state and its people. Otherwise, we are forced to question the integrity and intent of those in power.”
