BJP state president and Leader of Opposition Babulal Marandi on Wednesday accused Jharkhand chief minister Hemant Soren and his government of colluding with the coal mafia operating in Dhanbad. Addressing a press conference at the BJP office in Harmu, Marandi alleged that illegal coal mining in the region is flourishing with the active involvement of senior police officials.
Marandi claimed that the system of coal thieves paying commissions to the police has now transformed into a full partnership between the police administration and the coal mafia. He alleged that the CM’s residence functions as the central authority in the illegal trade, while the SSP acts as the chief commander and the DC as general secretary, with profits allegedly shared among top officials. According to him, police station in-charges, inspectors, DSPs, SDOs, rural SPs, mining officers and circle officers all receive a fixed share in the illegal business.
He named several police personnel he claimed were involved. According to Marandi, Baghmara DSP Purushottam Singh, formerly part of the CM’s security detail, is the SSP’s key aide, while inspector Ajit Singh is another close associate. He also alleged that officers from Jamshedpur, including Ritesh and Vikas, have been brought in to support the network.
Explaining the alleged modus operandi, Marandi said Nirsa, Baghmara and Jharia are the main hubs of illegal coal extraction, covering around 20–25 police stations. Coal is extracted illegally from 30–40 sites, he claimed, and obtaining a site requires permission from the “House.” The SSP allegedly approves a site after receiving instructions from the CM’s residence, following which an advance payment of ₹1 crore is taken. Marandi further alleged that 150–200 truckloads of coal are extracted daily, with the business controlled by the “House” and costing ₹8,000–₹10,000 per tonne.
He demanded a high-level investigation if the chief minister denies these allegations.
Reacting to the charges, Congress spokesperson Sonal Shanti dismissed Marandi’s claims as an attempt at extortion. She said he was naming police officers to pressure them while shielding coal mafia groups allegedly linked to a BJP MLA and MP. She added that the government continues to act against illegal coal operations, and accused Marandi of targeting the state government instead of addressing allegations against his party leader Dhullu Mahto.