CBI Arrests GM and Contractor in Multi-Crore Coal Smuggling Case

GM and Contractor Are Arrested by the CBI in a Multi-Crore Coal Smuggling Case

Kolkata, 20 June 2024 — By apprehending a general manager (GM) of Eastern Coalfields Limited (ECL) and a civil contractor, the Central Bureau of probe (CBI) made noteworthy headway in the ongoing probe into a multi-crore coal-smuggling case. The central agency has been investigating the case since 2020.

ECL General Manager Naresh Chandra Saha and Contractor Aswini Kumar Yadav in custody

Aswini Kumar Yadav, the contractor, and General Manager Naresh Chandra Saha were called to Nizam Palace in Calcutta on Thursday to be questioned, according to trustworthy sources within the organization. The CBI nabbed them after questioning them for the entire day.

The two were detained in CBI custody until Monday after making their appearance before the special CBI court in Asansol on Friday.

Charges Made Against Yadav and Saha

The principal accused in the case, Anup Maji, also known as "Lala," was reportedly involved in collusion with GM Saha, as the CBI told the court. Maji is thought to have coordinated the smuggling of coal from Asansol mines controlled by ECL. It is said that Saha's cooperation made these illicit activities easier.

Furthermore, contractor Yadav was explicitly linked by the CBI to the coal-smuggling scheme. The agency asked for Saha and Yadav to be placed under a four-day remand.

Previous Detentions and Future Events

Eight current and former ECL workers, including four senior managers, have already been detained by the CBI in relation to the matter. Right now, everyone of them is free on bond.

As instructed by the judiciary, the CBI is anticipated to deliver the final charge sheet to the court on July 3. Thirty-four people are named on the main charge sheet that was filed last year and purports to be part of the coal smuggling network.

Authorities are committed to apprehend all of the offenders, and the investigation is still ongoing.