Meghalaya police book owner and contractor after five deaths in Lapalang well

Meghalaya Police have registered a case against the owner and contractor of a premises in Lapalang, Shillong, after five men died following carbon monoxide inhalation inside a narrow well. Investigators are examining whether negligence contributed to the incident.

Case filed under law for death by negligence

East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police Vivek Syiem said the case was registered under Section 106(1) of the BNS for causing death by negligence, along with relevant provisions of the Disaster Management Act. Notices were also issued to the owner, K Hinge, and contractor, M Beena, under Section 35 of the BNSS, and they were summoned for questioning.

Syiem said both were examined and their statements were recorded. He added that the accused have not been arrested at this stage. The investigation is still ongoing, and the police are waiting for reports from government departments before deciding the next steps.

Officials said the police are seeking inputs from departments including Pollution Control and Water Resources. These departments have visited the site, and their reports will be used to assess whether proper safeguards were followed during work near or inside the well.

How the deaths happened

The tragedy took place on Friday evening in Lapalang. Three labourers—Pynskhemlang Mawthoh, Rapborlang Nongspung, and Elka Shadap—became trapped at the bottom of a well. Sunil Thakuri, 34, and his brother Umesh Thakuri, 30, died while attempting a rescue, after they were not aware that the confined space had filled with lethal carbon monoxide.

Preliminary findings indicate the well was about 35 feet deep and only around three feet wide, creating a confined area where gas could build up. Police said a diesel pump was reportedly used inside, which may have contributed to the carbon monoxide accumulation. Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said action would be taken against anyone found to have violated safety rules.

The Chief Minister also said the government is looking at ways to support the families of the victims. He noted that the Disaster Management framework does not include a specific provision for compensation in accidents of this kind, but decisions are being examined because the victims came from economically weaker sections.