Shillong Jan 6: In another tragedy, two labourers were found dead inside a coal quarry at Jalyiah village in East Jaiñtia Hills district and it was suspected that boulders hit them while they were trying to extract coal from the side cutting of the quarry.

The incident happened when operations to locate 15 miners who have been trapped inside a coal mine at Khloo Ryngksan in the district are going and yet to produce results.

The two coal labourers were recovered from an illegal coal quarry during a search conducted at the side cutting of quarry at Mooknor of Jalyiah village.

The deceased was identified as Elad Bareh (26) from Khliehriat and Monoj Basumatry of Deinchynrum.

The body of Elad was found infront of the coal quarry while the body of Monoj was found inside the cutting.

East Jaiñtia Hills district Superintendent of Police, S. Nongtnger said that search was conducted at the site after an FIR was filed by one Phillip Bareh who informed that his nephew Elad Bareh was missing since January 4.

An inquest was conducted and the dead bodies were taken to Khliehriat CHC for autopsy.

Meanwhile East Jaiñtia Hills district police have arrested eight persons allegedly involved in extraction of fresh coal in the district.

They were identified as Abdul Hussain (crane operator), Binod Basumatary, Bikram Sonal, Arjun Rai, Prakash Basumatary, Jogan Boro, Danswr Narzary and Ram Kumar Rai.

The arrested persons include a crane operator and they were arrested during random raids conducted by police at Saniklo Umlawang village road and Jaiñtia Cement Bazar – Lelad Junction.

Owners of the coal mines have been identified as Willingness Latam of Moopala village and Brojoy Dkhar of Sutnga.

The incident happened while all out efforts are being put in to trace the 15 miners who have been trapped inside the coal mine at Khloo Ryngksan in East Jaiñtia Hills district since December 13 last year.