Sambalpur: Rengali Police Seized Two Trucks Carrying 40 Tons of Coal; Three Arrested for Illegal Transport
Police Intercepts Illegal Coal Transport
Sambalpur: Rengali police seized 40 tons of illegally transported coal during a routine patrol in Sambalpur district. Two 10-wheeler trucks (registration numbers OR 15M-7129 and OR 19D-6767) carrying the coal were stopped, as the drivers failed to produce valid transportation documents. The authorities arrested truck drivers Mukesh Kumar (24) and Anil Kumar (30), along with helper Babudhan Kumar. They were sent to court following their arrest, according to Station Officer Sudarshan Panda.
Legal Action Underway
The police have registered two cases under the Mines and Minerals Act (Regulation and Development Act) for the unauthorized transport of coal. This swift action aims to curb illegal coal smuggling operations in the region.
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Coal Smuggling Network Uncovered
Repeated seizures of coal in the Rengali area have revealed a well-organized smuggling network. Reports suggest that during routine mining operations, coal is clandestinely loaded onto trucks under the guise of transporting soil. The smuggled coal is then refined in illegal processing units and sold at high prices, enabling smugglers to earn massive profits quickly.
Challenges in Tackling Smuggling
Although the police and company officials occasionally conduct raids, the smuggling racket persists due to alleged collusion at multiple levels. The illegal trade continues unchecked in many areas, fueling widespread discussions among locals about the lack of effective measures to stop the racket.
Call for Strict Action
Local residents and authorities are urging stronger interventions to dismantle the coal smuggling network. With organized operations involving both insiders and transporters, consistent enforcement and strict monitoring are essential to end the illicit coal trade.
