Shillong: The Meghalaya government has launched an investigation into the suspected misappropriation of over 4,000 metric tonnes (MT) of coal, Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong confirmed on Saturday.
Tynsong, who also oversees the Home Department, said district authorities and police officials have been instructed to carry out a detailed probe.
“We’ve directed all deputy commissioners and superintendents of police to verify if there has been any illegal diversion or misappropriation of coal,” he said.
The move follows a report submitted by a committee appointed by the Meghalaya High Court, which revealed that more than 4,000 MT of coal—previously declared as extracted and officially inventoried—has gone missing from two designated storage sites.
The committee’s findings have raised concerns over the effectiveness of the state’s coal inventory monitoring and its ability to curb illegal transportation.
Tynsong assured that strict action would follow if any wrongdoing is uncovered. “We will act in accordance with the law. If necessary, we are even prepared to approach the Supreme Court,” he said.
The state’s inquiry will include field verification and tracking of both coal and diesel inventories, along with scrutiny of related documents and transportation records.
An official stated that a detailed report will be compiled and submitted to the High Court in due time.
