The body of another worker trapped inside a coal mine in Assam’s Dima Hasao district was recovered on Saturday during ongoing rescue operations, an official confirmed. So far, two bodies have been retrieved, with the first one recovered on Wednesday.

Nine workers were trapped in the Umrangsu mine on Monday after sudden flooding caused by a gush of water. According to the official, the rescue operations, now in their sixth day, resumed early in the morning, leading to the recovery of another body. The first body, belonging to a labourer from Nepal, had already been found earlier.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed his commitment to the rescue efforts, stating they were continuing with "unwavering resolve." He also revealed that the latest victim had been identified as 27-year-old Ligen Magar, a resident of Kalamati village in Dima Hasao. Magar's body was discovered floating in the accumulated water inside the mine when army and NDRF divers went in to retrieve it.

Sharing his condolences, the chief minister posted, “Rescue efforts in Umrangsu continue with unwavering resolve. Tragically, another body was recovered this morning... Our hearts go out to the grieving families as we hold on to hope and strength during this difficult time.”

The rescue teams, including personnel from ONGC and Coal India, are continuing to pump water out of the 340-feet-deep quarry using specialized dewatering machines. Sarma explained that the mine, abandoned 12 years ago, was under the Assam Mineral Development Corporation until three years ago and was not operating illegally. The workers had entered the mine to extract coal for the first time that day.

The team leader of the workers has been arrested, and an investigation is underway. Sarma added that significant progress has been made in the dewatering process, with 7 meters of water cleared since Thursday. Another machine brought in from Nagpur is expected to expedite the process, potentially clearing the water by evening if all goes as planned.

Regarding allegations involving a family member of Dima Hasao Autonomous Council’s Chief Executive Member (CEM) Debolal Gorlosa, the chief minister urged people to refrain from politicizing the incident, calling it a “human tragedy.”

Disclaimer: This image is taken from PTI