Simulia: A racket involved in smuggling coal is active in various parts of Bhadrak and Balasore districts. The mafia has been carrying out this illegal business by paying Rs 4 lakh per month as ‘commission’ to the police, railway protection force and the railway authorities, a report said.
Stock points of illegally supplied coal have been opened at Shymsundarpur and Balikhand under Simulia block and Barapur in Bhadrak.
Coal is being smuggled from various mines of the state while locals pilfer coal while being transported in trains from Bhadrak to Dhamra port.
Coal has high demand for brick kiln owners at Sathipur and Remuna while truckloads of the pilfered coal are supplied to different parts of Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal.
The coal traders do their business in the broad daylight by paying ‘commission’ to the police, it is alleged. Coal stuffed in packets is stocked alongside roads in these areas.
It was learnt that some local leaders have engaged their vans and heavy vehicles in this illegal coal transport.
A few days ago, coal traders had a dispute over pricing and transaction at Ranital canal embankment and Balikhand.
Though locals had informed the police, the coals-laden vehicles had left before the cops could arrive on the scene.
Two days ago, the police seized a van carrying illegal coal in Antara. Illegal coal depots are operating at Ranital Barada canal and Gobargadi.
PNN