Jamuria (Asansol): Fresh allegations have surfaced regarding the revival of illegal coal trade in the Jamuria region of Asansol. On Saturday night, the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) conducted a major operation in the Tapasi area of ECL Kunustoria Colliery, seizing a large quantity of illegally mined coal.
Acting on a tip-off, CISF personnel along with ECL’s internal security team launched a joint raid near the Buri Mandir in Tapasi. According to sources, the illegal coal was being extracted from abandoned mines and stockpiled for smuggling purposes.
During the operation, CISF teams recovered the illegal coal from two separate locations near the temple. The seized material was later transported to an ECL depot.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the coal was stolen from areas like Tapasi and North Searsole, which have become hotspots for such illicit activities.
This is not the first such incident in the region. On September 22, CISF had seized another consignment of illegal coal and a truck from the same area. Despite repeated raids, coal smuggling networks continue to thrive, posing a major challenge for law enforcement agencies.
Local sources allege that the operations are being run by syndicates led by individuals named Alok and Bablu, who are said to control much of the illegal coal trade in the region.
As of now, no official statement has been issued regarding the latest seizure. However, senior CISF officials have confirmed that operations are still ongoing in Tapasi to completely recover the illegally mined coal. Authorities stated that a clear picture will emerge only after the entire consignment is seized.
The growing scale of the illegal coal trade has once again raised serious questions about security lapses and local complicity, with calls for stricter enforcement and sustained monitoring in the ECL command areas.