Assam: Goalpara man dies at illegal coal mine in Ledo

A tragic incident occurred at the illegal coal mines in Ledo’s Lalchuri area on Monday night, resulting in the death of a handyman working with a coal-loaded Max pick-up vehicle. 

The deceased, identified as Bashatullah Sheikh from Goalpara district, reportedly died on the spot around 07:30 PM.

Sheikh, who had been working as a handyman for several years, was brought to the Margherita Civil Hospital by his brother after receiving news of the incident. 

However, doctors declared him dead upon arrival. His body was subsequently sent to Tinsukia Civil Hospital for postmortem examination.

Also Read: Assam: Dr Manabendra Saharia to receive Indian National Geospatial Award 2024

Gyan Jyoti Dutta Margherita circle officer and Margherita executive magistrate examined the dead body at Margherita civil hospital.

The incident has reignited concerns over the dangers of illegal coal mining in the region. 

The Patkai Hills, known for its rich coal reserves, has witnessed numerous fatalities over the years due to unsafe mining practices and lack of regulation.

Residents and activists have criticized the Margherita Co-District Commissioner, local police, the Digboi Forest Division’s Divisional Forest Officer, and the Assam Government for failing to take effective measures against these unlawful operations.

The death of Bashatullah Sheikh adds to the grim statistics of untimely deaths in the region, highlighting the urgent need for stricter enforcement of mining regulations and improved safety measures.