After HM’s review, CISF steps up crackdown on coal theft; 1,800 MT of illegally mined coal seized

In a major crackdown on illegal coal mining, theft and transportation, the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) seized 1,798.725 metric tonnes (MT) of illegally mined, stored or transported coal worth Rs 1.08 crore during intensive operations conducted across coalfields under its security cover over the last three weeks.

During the drive, the CISF seized 84 vehicles, including heavy-duty trucks and modified motorcycles used for illegal transportation of coal, and filed 21 direct complaint cases against persons involved in illegal mining and coal smuggling.

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The intensified action follows a high-level review chaired by Home Minister Amit Shah on 5 July, during which the Home Ministry directed focused and time-bound measures to achieve “Zero Coal Leakage” and curb illegal extraction, pilferage and organised theft of the country’s coal resources.

Among the major recoveries during the campaign, the CISF seized 1,063.91 MT of coal from BCCL, Dhanbad; 450.13 MT from ECL, Sheetalpur; and 284.715 MT from CCL, Ranchi & CMP(H).

A significant force multiplier in the ongoing campaign is the enhanced statutory authority available to designated CISF officers under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 (MMDR Act).

Powers vested under Sections 22, 23B and 24 enable authorised officers to directly file written complaints before competent courts, conduct searches, and enter premises suspected of storing illegally mined minerals, thereby strengthening the enforcement chain against organised coal theft.

The recent operations combined human intelligence, CCTV surveillance, real-time monitoring of coal movement, and coordinated field action to identify vulnerable locations and crack down on illegal mining and transportation networks.

It is noteworthy that, apart from heavy vehicles, the operations revealed that modified motorcycles are being used to transport smaller quantities of illegally mined coal through unauthorised and difficult-to-monitor routes.

The seized vehicles have been handed over to the local police, wherever required, for further legal action.

According to the CISF DG, “The CISF will continue intelligence-led operations, technology-enabled surveillance and enforcement of its statutory powers in coordination with coal companies, the local administration and other stakeholder agencies to advance the objective of ‘Zero Coal Leakage’.”