Massive Coal Pilferage Scandal Unearthed in Eastern India

A Special CBI court in Asansol has charged 49 individuals for their involvement in coal pilferage worth Rs 1340 crore from mines of Eastern Coalfields Ltd. The scandal, led by Anup Majee and involving influential figures like Vikash Mishra, spanned from 2015 to 2020.

A massive coal pilferage scandal has been unraveled in eastern India, with charges framed against 49 individuals, including influential persons allegedly under whose patronage the operations were conducted. The charges were formalized in a Special CBI court in Asansol, involving theft of Rs 1340 crore worth of coal from Eastern Coalfields Ltd (ECL) mines.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) claims mastermind Anup Majee led the conspiracy, pilfering around 31 lakh metric tons of coal between 2015 and 2020. The illegal activities reportedly had the backing of several ECL officials and influential figures, including Vikash Mishra, whose brother and former TMC leader Vinay Mishra is absconding.

The charges pressed involve criminal conspiracy, theft, cheating, and fraud, under provisions of the Indian Penal Code and the Prevention of Corruption Act. The CBI has filed three chargesheets in this case, uncovering a network that includes 10 companies, influential individuals, and public servants, with substantial illegal benefits accrued to the accused and massive losses to ECL and the government.

(With inputs from agencies.)