Desk | Nagpur

A major coal scam has come to light following a CBI raid at the Dumri Khurd railway coal siding in Parseoni tehsil of Nagpur district. Allegations of misappropriation and illegal sale of more than 1,400 metric tons of coal in the open market have created panic within the Western Coalfields Limited (WCL) management.

According to sources, large-scale irregularities were allegedly being carried out under the pretext of “low-quality coal.” Acting on complaints, a joint team of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the vigilance department of WCL conducted a raid at the Dumri Khurd railway siding, which falls under the South East Central Railway (SECR) zone.

During the investigation, officials reportedly found that nearly 1,427 metric tons of Grade-12 coal had been diverted and sold illegally in the open market. The revelation has raised serious questions about the functioning of the coal transportation and disposal system.

Investigating agencies further revealed that on March 21, four trucks loaded with coal were allegedly diverted, while on March 24, around 800 metric tons of coal were transported through 16 trucks to another location. The CBI is now tracing the movement routes of all 20 trucks and examining the network linked to the alleged scam.

During the raid, officials seized several crucial documents, including gate passes, contractor-related records, disposal system files, coal samples, and sensitive transport documents. The role of contractors and concerned officials is also under investigation.

Notably, the Dumri Khurd railway siding receives large quantities of coal from the Integrated Inder-Kamthi Deep Open Cast Mines, Godegaon Project, and other coal mines in the region. The coal is supplied to various locations through railway transport.

The CBI is currently carrying out a detailed investigation to uncover the full extent of the alleged coal diversion racket and identify all those involved in the case.