Declared dead in Meghalaya mine blast, Assam worker returns alive

A shocking twist has emerged in the February 5 c oal mine explosion in Meghalaya , after a labourer believed to have died in the blast returned home alive in Assam days after a body identified as his was cremated.

Shyambabu Singha, 44, from Muliala village in Sribhumi district of Assam, was reported missing after an explosion at an illegal rat hole coal mine in the Thangsku area of East Jaintia Hills. With his phone unreachable, his family travelled to Meghalaya to search for him. Due to the severity of the blast, several bodies were charred and disfigured beyond recognition . Officials said the family identified one such body as Singha’s, following which it was brought to Assam and cremated as per Hindu rituals.

His unexpected return on Thursday has now exposed serious confusion over victim identification . Authorities have said DNA testing will be conducted to conclusively establish the identity of the cremated body. Since the body has already been cremated, experts are examining whether preserved samples, medical records, or DNA from close relatives can help confirm the truth.

Officials said Singha appeared physically weak and traumatised after returning home, though he did not suffer major visible injuries. He is currently under medical observation and is being questioned to reconstruct the sequence of events after the blast.

The development has also complicated compensation claims meant for families of the deceased. Authorities are reviewing whether any financial assistance was processed in his name and how such cases will be handled once identities are officially confirmed. The status of the cremated body remains uncertain pending forensic clarification.

The incident has triggered a joint investigation by Assam and Meghalaya police to examine possible lapses in rescue verification and identification protocols . Questions are being raised about whether proper scientific procedures were followed before bodies were handed over.

The explosion claimed at least 31 lives. Meghalaya Police has formed a Special Investigation Team, while Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma has announced a judicial inquiry into the blast. The state has informed the High Court that four persons have been arrested.

Despite a 2014 ban on rat hole mining by the National Green Tribunal, the hazardous practice continues in parts of the Northeast, highlighting serious enforcement failures .