CISF Cracks Down on Illegal Coal Mining in Jharkhand; Seizes Coal-Laden Trucks in Hazaribagh, Latehar and Chatra – Indian PSU
The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has launched a series of crackdowns on suspected illegal coal transportation in Jharkhand, seizing coal-laden trucks and heavy vehicles in Hazaribagh, Latehar and Chatra districts. The operations, however, triggered protests by local residents, with a road blockade in Latehar disrupting traffic for nearly eight hours.
Hazaribagh: 99.26 Tonnes of Coal Seized
In Hazaribagh, a CISF team from the NTPC-CMP unit, acting on a tip-off and under the directions of Senior Commandant Vivek Sharma, intercepted two coal-laden trucks at Charhi Chowk on the night of October 15.
The trucks were allegedly transporting coal from the Badam coal mining project area without valid transportation documents. The CISF seized both vehicles along with 99.260 metric tonnes of coal. Legal proceedings are being initiated under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act.
Latehar: Four Vehicles Seized, Residents Block Road
At CCL’s Magadh Colliery in Balumath, Latehar district, CISF personnel conducted a raid around midnight on October 15–16 and seized four vehicles, including two coal-laden vehicles and two empty Hyva trucks.
The operation sparked protests after local residents alleged that drivers had been assaulted and mobile phones snatched during the action. Residents, including women, blocked the road near Golitand, bringing traffic to a standstill.
The blockade continued from 5 am until 1 pm, lasting approximately eight hours. Balumath Sub-Divisional Police Officer Umesh Kumar Singh and police station in-charge Anubhav Sinha reached the spot and persuaded the protesters to lift the blockade.
According to police, the documents of the seized vehicles are being examined and the process of registering a case is underway. The allegations made by residents remain subject to investigation.
Chatra: Two Coal-Laden Hyvas and Six Empty Vehicles Detained
In Chatra district, CISF personnel intercepted two coal-laden Hyva trucks at the Golitand checkpost near Chamatu in the Fulbasia area of CCL’s Magadh coal project in Tandwa. The vehicles reportedly bore registration numbers BR 01 GK 9779 and JH 24P 1802.
The action followed the failure of the drivers to produce the required documents. Both drivers reportedly fled the spot. Six additional empty vehicles allegedly entering the mining area without the necessary papers were also detained.
The operation prompted protests by some local residents, who reportedly attempted to secure the release of the seized vehicles. Allegations also emerged that mobile phones were snatched while CISF personnel were being filmed. Local police reached the site and tightened security.
Illegal Coal Transportation Under Scrutiny
The simultaneous operations across three coal-producing districts have brought the issue of suspected illegal coal transportation back into focus. The seizure of vehicles carrying coal without the required documents points to the continuing enforcement challenge in mining areas where large volumes of coal move through road networks.
