CBI Raids MCL Coal Mine in Sundargarh Over Alleged 75,000-Tonne Coal Diversion

Sundargarh: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Friday carried out raids at a coal mine operated by Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL) in Odisha’s Sundargarh district following allegations of large-scale coal diversion.

Special CBI teams conducted simultaneous searches at the Garjanbahal coal mine and the Kanika railway siding. The action comes amid claims that nearly 75,000 tonnes of coal transported from the mine to the railway siding are unaccounted for.

According to reports, three teams from the CBI’s Delhi unit have launched a probe into suspected illegal coal transportation. The investigation is focusing on the movement of coal through the railway siding and identifying the individuals or entities who may have received the diverted consignment.

As part of the inquiry, Kanika railway siding in-charge C.P. Sethi was brought from his residence to the siding for questioning. Several employees from the Garjanbahal mine were also detained and examined at the site.

Sources said Sethi had earlier served as the project in-charge of the Garjanbahal mine, and the alleged diversion is suspected to have occurred during his previous tenure. He is currently posted as the in-charge of the Kanika railway siding.

CBI officials are scrutinising documents and records related to coal dispatch and transportation. Further action is likely based on the findings of the ongoing investigation.