A day after high-profile raids in Sundargarh district exposed alleged coal smuggling operations, concerns have escalated over the failure to dismantle the illegal network.
Former Sundargarh MLA and BJP leader Kusum Tete has sounded a strong alarm, alleging that illegal mining and coal transportation continue unchecked in the Telendihi reserve forest, despite enforcement actions.
In a letter dated April 7, addressed to Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Tete expressed frustration that the core masterminds behind the racket remain free. She criticized the recent April 6 raid, noting that neither arrests nor significant breakthroughs have followed, and illegal activities persist in the region.
“Despite startling revelations and raids, the coal crime syndicate continues to operate freely. No major arrests have been reported by either the media or officials,” her letter posted on X (formerly Twitter) stated.
Tete called for immediate intervention from the CM and demanded a high-level probe into what she described as a “catastrophic crime” that is bleeding public resources. She emphasized the need for long-term action to dismantle the powerful coal mafia operating within the forested belts of Sundargarh.
Tete further alleged that over 100 illegal coal mines and 40 hidden stockyards are functioning in the Kulapada-Telendihi forest area, despite legal mining rights being granted to Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL). She claimed the stolen coal is being funneled to other states, including Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh, pointing to a well-organized interstate racket.
The Sundargarh district administration, along with forest and police officials, conducted raids in the Gopalpur forest range. Makeshift camps used for illegal coal extraction were dismantled. According to Sundargarh Sub-Collector Dasarathi Sarabu, “We found evidence of recent coal digging and stockpiles amounting to nearly 10 truckloads, but no individuals were present at the scene.”
Despite this discovery, no arrests were made, raising further concerns about the effectiveness of the crackdown.
Tete’s appeal puts fresh pressure on the Odisha government to act decisively against illegal mining syndicates and ensure accountability through a thorough investigation.
