Barjora (Bankura): A massive illegal coal smuggling network has become increasingly active across several parts of Bankura district. According to police sources, coal smugglers are transporting coal unlawfully from areas like Raniganj in West Bardhaman district and from the neighbouring state of Jharkhand into Bankura.
Large quantities of illegal coal are reportedly being moved through Barjora, Mejia and Saltora. Police sources state that the smugglers transport coal using cycles, motorcycles and matadors, from where it is sent deep into the forested regions of Junglemahal.
A senior police officer in Bankura confirmed that they have been receiving reports of illegal coal smuggling for several days. Local and police sources also revealed that illegal coal trade had flourished earlier across parts of West Bardhaman, Bankura, Purulia and Birbhum. Even during the Trinamool regime, allegations of illegal coal operations in several areas had surfaced.
Although illegal coal mines were shut down after central investigative agencies intervened, police now believe that coal mafias have become active once again.
Sources further revealed that illegal coal and iron ore operations are thriving in Barjora with the alleged backing of coal mafia Saikat. According to local accounts, an illegal stockyard operated by Saikat exists in the Shibdanga forest area near Taldangra. Iron ore smuggled from Haldia Dock is stored there before being transported by truck to several factories in Barjora.
Police sources added that 30–40 dumpers of illegal coal enter Barjora every day from Jharkhand. The coal is allegedly routed through Saikat’s network and supplied to various factories in the region. Illegal scrap is also smuggled into multiple factories in Barjora. Through these operations, Saikat is believed to run a business worth crores of rupees annually.
Local residents allege that the influence of these smugglers continues to grow unchecked. They claim that the police administration has turned a blind eye, as Saikat reportedly pays hefty monthly sums to senior police officials. Ruling party leaders are also alleged to receive a share of the profits, making the mafia virtually untouchable.
Residents further claim that a legislator of the ruling party acts as a political patron to Saikat, enabling his unchecked rise in the illegal trade.
Meanwhile, police officials have learnt that illegal coal is being sold at low prices to brick kilns across the region.