The CBI is investigating illegal coal lifting at CCL’s Amrapali Project in Jharkhand, following a police report alleging daily extortion from 250-300 coal trucks using fake tokens. The agency is tracking fund distribution and suspects involvement of officials in the widespread corruption network.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has widened its probe into alleged corruption in Central Coalfields Limited (CCL) by focusing on illegal coal lifting at the Amrapali Project in Tandwa, Chatra district. The investigation follows a report submitted by the Special Branch of Jharkhand Police which uncovered a large-scale illegal collection racket at the project site. According to the police report, unauthorized toll collection is taking place near Gate No. 1 of the Amrapali coal project, specifically at a barrier set up near Binglaat village. Daily, around 250 to 300 trucks carrying coal enter the project area. Each truck is allegedly being charged Rs. 500 as entry fee and Rs. 300 under the pretext of parking charges. In return, drivers are being issued fake tokens to legitimize the illegal operation.
CBI Initiated an Internal Verification
The CBI has now initiated an internal verification of the report and is gathering details on how the collected funds are being distributed and who all are involved. The focus is not just on lower-level operatives but also on whether senior officials are complicit. Earlier, in a similar case related to the Giddi-A colliery in Hazaribagh, the CBI had arrested three CCL officials and one coal lifter for corruption under the Prevention of Corruption Act.
Also Read: Extortion in CCL’s Giddi-A Project, CBI Arrested CCL Manager and 3 Others in Jharkhand
The team of CBI’s anti-corruption unit of Ranchi is actively looking into financial trails, gate entry logs, and witness statements to build a stronger case. The growing crackdown is part of a larger effort to curb corruption in the coal supply chain and restore accountability in coal mining operations across Jharkhand.
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