CISF – Illegal Coal Crackdown Recovers 428 Tonnes Across Eastern India
CISF – The Central Industrial Security Force has recovered more than 428 metric tonnes of illegally mined and transported coal during a series of coordinated operations in Jharkhand and West Bengal. The action forms part of the Government of India’s Zero Coal Leakage initiative, aimed at reducing theft, unauthorised mining and illegal movement of coal from major production areas.
Expanded powers support enforcement action
The recent operations followed the authorisation of selected CISF officers under Sections 22, 23B and 24 of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957. These provisions allow the force to take action against unlawful mining, coal theft, unauthorised stockpiling and transportation without valid permissions.
Officials said the enhanced powers have strengthened coordination between security agencies, coal companies, district administrations and local police. The focus has been on identifying vulnerable sites, checking transport routes and tracing coal that may have been extracted or stored outside approved systems.
Operations carried out in major coalfield areas
The crackdown was conducted between July 4 and July 8 across coalfields managed by Bharat Coking Coal Limited, Eastern Coalfields Limited and Central Coalfields Limited. The CISF used intelligence inputs, drone surveillance, document verification and field inspections during the drive.
Across the three coal company areas, officials recovered 428.34 metric tonnes of coal believed to have been illegally mined or stored. Four FIRs were registered in connection with the cases, while several people were apprehended for questioning and legal proceedings were initiated under the MMDR Act.
Authorities also seized a Hyva truck, more than 13 motorcycles and other equipment suspected to have been used for coal extraction and transportation.
Large recovery reported in Dhanbad coalfields
The biggest recovery was made in Bharat Coking Coal Limited’s Dhanbad command area, where CISF teams recovered 319.54 metric tonnes of illegally stored coal. Raids were carried out in and around Katras, Sijua, Kustore, Jealgora and Govindpur after intelligence reports identified these locations as sensitive zones.
During the inspections, personnel also intercepted a truck carrying coal and seized several motorcycles. Officials said drone surveillance helped teams monitor movement in difficult-to-access areas and identify locations where coal had allegedly been collected for illegal transport.
Checks conducted in Eastern Coalfields areas
In the operational regions of Eastern Coalfields Limited, CISF personnel recovered 85.93 metric tonnes of coal during inspections in Rajmahal, Salanpur, Chitra and Sonepur-Bazari. Teams examined coal depots, weighbridges and transport records to identify possible irregularities.
The inspection exercise also included verification at authorised coal handling points. Officials said several locations were found to be following prescribed procedures, while suspicious activity at other sites led to recovery and legal action.
Vehicles and coal seized in Central Coalfields zone
At Piparwar in the Central Coalfields Limited area, CISF personnel intercepted a Hyva truck that was allegedly carrying concealed coal. A total of 13.62 metric tonnes of illegal coal was recovered from the vehicle.
In a separate operation at CCL Kargali, the force seized 9.25 metric tonnes of illegally extracted coal along with seven motorcycles believed to have been used in mining-related activities. The operations involved route surveillance, surprise checks, transport document verification and GPS-supported recording of evidence.
CISF plans continued action against coal theft
The CISF said it will continue its joint enforcement efforts with the Ministry of Coal, Coal India Limited, its subsidiary companies, state governments and police authorities. The force has stated that future action will focus on preventing illegal mining, curbing coal theft and ensuring that coal transportation takes place through authorised channels.