CISF deploys 12,000 personnel to combat coal mafia in Jharkhand and West Bengal
CISF has deployed around 12,000 personnel across 10 units in Jharkhand and West Bengal to tackle organised coal pilferage, with over 10,000 tonnes of coal recovered since July.
Around 12,000 Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel have been deployed across Jharkhand and West Bengal to crack down on coal pilferage and the organised coal mafia, the force said on Friday.
CISF Director-General Praveer Ranjan conducted a three-day operational review of coal-producing regions in the two states from September 16 to 18. The force said its personnel are guarding the treacherous terrains of the coal belt, with over 12,000 troops across 10 units engaged in a sustained battle against a long-thriving, organised coal mafia.
With the help of drone surveillance, CISF personnel have been conducting surprise raids, braving violent mobs and hardened criminals. Strict enforcement of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act since July has led to the recovery of more than 10,000 tonnes of coal worth crores of rupees, along with the apprehension of several vehicles and persons allegedly involved in pilferage.
The government has recently entrusted the security of the highly sensitive Amrapali Coal Mines in Jharkhand to the CISF, and the force is set to take over charge shortly.
During the review, Mr. Ranjan visited the Eastern Coalfields Limited (ECL) at Sheetalpur in West Bengal. Addressing a Combined Sainik Sammelan, the DG sensitised personnel to emerging threats, particularly cyber fraud and online gambling, while stressing the importance of mental well-being and a healthy work-life balance.
At a meeting with officials of Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL) and the Dhanbad police chief in Jharkhand, Mr. Ranjan asked them to prepare a roadmap to ensure zero coal leakage.