BJP state president and Leader of the Opposition Babulal Marandi has levelled serious allegations against the Jharkhand government, claiming that illegal coal mining across the Dhanbad region is being run through a structured nexus involving police officials, district authorities and coal mafia groups. He said the entire system operates under an unidentified authority he referred to as the “House,” which, according to him, influences approvals and controls profits from the trade.
Marandi said illegal coal extraction in Nirsa, Baghmara and Jharia has expanded into a coordinated network that covers nearly 20 to 25 police stations and outposts. He claimed that 30 to 40 illegal mining sites function in these areas and that operations begin only after receiving clearance from the “House.” According to him, approvals at the district level follow instructions from this entity, and advance payments of up to one crore rupees are reportedly taken before a site becomes operational.
He alleged between 150 and 200 truckloads of illegal coal leave these areas every day. He estimated that eight to ten thousand rupees per tonne from this trade is controlled by the same authority. Marandi described the network as a hierarchy in which the “House” acts as the primary controller, while senior police and administrative officers serve as key partners in the arrangement.
Marandi also claimed that officers at various levels, including station in-charges, inspectors, DSPs, rural SPs, mining officials and revenue staff, receive fixed shares from the operation. He named several officials, including Baghmara DSP Purushottam Singh, and said the network decides postings at police stations considered financially lucrative.
He listed a number of active sites in Bhounda, Karan, Kunjama, Panchet, Nirsa and Baghmara, along with additional locations in Jina Gonda, Barari, Algidih and Sudamdih that, he said, are operated under different handlers supported by local officials.
Calling the allegations grave, Marandi said the Chief Minister should order a high-level investigation if he disputes them. He added that only an impartial inquiry can clarify the scale of the illegal trade and establish accountability.
The state government has not issued a response so far, but the allegations have stirred political discussion across Jharkhand.