22 Booked In Job And Compensation Scam At CCL’s Piparwar Project In Jharkhand

A massive job and compensation scam has come to light at Central Coalfields Limited’s (CCL) Piparwar project in Jharkhand, leading to an FIR against 22 individuals who allegedly secured employment through fraudulent means. The investigation has revealed a deep-rooted nexus between zonal officials and CCL clerks in fabricating documents to grant ineligible individuals jobs meant for those whose land was acquired for coal mining operations.

According to the law enforcing authorities, the FIR was registered following a detailed inquiry into the fraudulent appointments. He stated that officials and workers who were stationed in the zonal office and the Piparwar project between 2014 and 2018 would be scrutinized. “The investigation will cover all those involved, including officials from the zone, Piparwar office, and other CCL departments that facilitated these illegal appointments,” he added.

Extent of the Scam: Fake Genealogies and Fabricated Land Documents

CCL grants jobs and compensation based on land acquisition records and verified genealogical documents of the displaced families. However, a thorough probe conducted by SDO Simaria unearthed large-scale irregularities in these records. The inquiry report confirmed that fake genealogies, fraudulent jamabandi (land records), forged rent receipts, and bogus orders were used to illegally secure jobs at CCL’s Piparwar, Ashoka, and Purnadih coal projects.

The scam has sent shockwaves through multiple coal projects under CCL, including Piparwar, Ashoka, Magadh, Amrapali, and the Purnadih NK Area Project. Local residents and legitimate claimants of CCL’s employment scheme are expressing outrage over how these fraudulent practices have deprived rightful beneficiaries of their due compensation and jobs.

CCL’s Response and Ongoing Action

CCL officials addressed the issue, emphasizing that CCL follows a strict verification process for land-based job allotments. “CCL provides employment and compensation strictly on the basis of land records and genealogies verified by government officials. We have taken note of the FIR, and those accused of fraud and currently working in Piparwar Ashoka have been asked to submit clarifications,” they said.

Meanwhile, land acquisition officers involved in the case confirmed in their statements that there was collusion among zonal officials, CCL employees and local middlemen to issue fake documents. They further revealed that jobs were fraudulently given to individuals from outside the acquired land area, violating CCL’s policies and displacing rightful claimants.

Growing Tension and Legal Ramifications

The exposure of the scam has triggered panic across various coal projects, as more names are expected to surface during the investigation. Employees who may have unknowingly worked with fraudulent appointees are worried about the long-term repercussions on their employment status.

Legal experts suggest that those found guilty could face serious charges under sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) related to forgery, cheating, and criminal conspiracy. If proven, such offenses could lead to severe penalties, including termination of employment and legal prosecution.

Impact on CCL’s Reputation and Future Safeguards

The revelations have also put a question mark on CCL’s internal monitoring systems and governance mechanisms. Stakeholders are now demanding stricter background checks, digitalization of land records, and independent third-party audits to prevent such scams in the future.

As investigations unfold, authorities are expected to take swift action against all involved. The CCL management has assured full cooperation with law enforcement agencies to ensure justice is served. Meanwhile, the affected families who were genuinely displaced by mining projects continue to demand a transparent and fair system to secure their rightful employment.

The case serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities in public sector employment schemes and underscores the urgent need for stringent verification processes to curb corruption.

Investigating officers said that there is a possibility of involvement of many govt officials and employees and this it is an ongoing probe.