Despite check-posts and official surveillance, a fake mining e-challan racket in Pakur operates with impunity, costing the state lakhs in lost revenue.
An organized syndicate operating out of Jankinagar, Pakur, has been caught using fake mining e-challans to transport stones illegally to West Bengal. The key accused Arshad Sheikh, Mahboob Alam, and Maqbool Sheikh are allegedly running a forged documentation racket under the radar of district authorities and transport check-posts.
Despite ongoing crackdowns by the district administration and the mining task force, this underground network continues to bypass official systems like the JIMMS (Jharkhand Integrated Mines and Mineral System) portal, which is meant to track and authenticate mineral transportation.
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Modus Operandi
The racket came to light when Mining Inspector Subodh Kumar Singh intercepted a stone-laden truck (Registration No. WB 45-4083) at Pyadapur Checkpost. Upon verification, the e-challan presented was found to be fake—the mentioned dealer, “Narayan Singh Stone Works” of Sundarpahadi, was not registered on the JIMMS portal. A formal complaint has been lodged at Nagar Police Station under Case No. 175/2025, naming the above individuals, along with the truck driver and vehicle owner.
” The matter is being taken seriously. We are investigating the full extent of the network and will take strong legal action against everyone involved,” – Rajesh Kumar, District Mining Officer, confirmed that . “
Systemic Gaps and Alleged Collusion
Local sources allege that this illicit operation enjoys protection from some officials stationed at check-posts and even within the mining department. Despite multiple checkposts, these forged challans have allowed trucks to move freely across district borders posing not just a massive revenue loss but a serious challenge to governance. A previous crackdown, led by former SP Prabhat Kumar and DC Manish Kumar, temporarily disrupted the operations, but post-transfer, the syndicate reportedly resumed its activities with renewed confidence.
