Shillong: A magisterial inquiry has been launched into the sudden death of hundreds of fish in the Aphah River at Umkiang, East Jaiñtia Hills of Meghalaya.
Superintendent of Fisheries and Executive Magistrate Hubert Kharbuki will lead the probe, with a report due by September 30.
Locals suspect foul play, particularly involving Bangladeshi nationals, after members of the Eastern Narpuh Border Fishing Association discovered five bottles of a toxic substance with a Bangladeshi brand on the riverbank on September 21.
The inquiry aims to uncover the cause of the mysterious fish deaths and determine whether any malicious activity was involved.
Locals have also expressed concerns about potential cross-border implications.