Supreme Court clears CBI probe into ₹1,500-crore Sahibganj mining scam

The Supreme Court of India upheld a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation into the alleged ₹1,500-crore illegal stone-mining scam in Jharkhand’s Sahibganj district, dismissing the State government’s special leave petition challenging the High Court order.

A Bench of Justices Alok Aradhe and Sanjay Kumar rejected the plea filed by the Jharkhand government against the directive of the Jharkhand High Court, which had earlier ordered a CBI investigation into the case. The apex court also questioned the State’s opposition to the probe when the allegations involved individuals stated to be close to Chief Minister Hemant Soren.

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“Why is the State of Jharkhand trying to protect the Chief Minister’s aide, Pankaj Mishra?” the Bench observed during the hearing.

The case pertains to large-scale illegal stone mining in Sahibganj district, which allegedly caused massive revenue losses to the State exchequer. In 2022, the Enforcement Directorate had initiated a parallel money-laundering probe and arrested JMM leader Pankaj Mishra, who is considered close to the Chief Minister.

The court’s decision is expected to intensify political pressure on the Soren government, which is already facing scrutiny in connection with a separate land scam case.

Reacting to the order, Leader of Opposition and BJP state president Babulal Marandi welcomed the verdict, calling it a major setback for the ruling dispensation. He alleged that the government had opposed the CBI inquiry to shield those involved in the scam and accused it of attempting to influence the petitioner and intimidate local residents.

“The Supreme Court’s decision to allow the CBI probe to continue shows that no one is above the law. This will strengthen public faith in democratic institutions,” Marandi said.

The Jharkhand government had argued that a central probe was unnecessary and that the State agencies were competent to investigate the matter. However, the apex court found no merit in the plea and allowed the CBI to proceed with its investigation into the alleged mining racket.