CISF Seizes 156.140 Tonnes of Illegal Coal and Two Weighbridges in Hazaribagh
CISF conducts special operation in Indra village near 15 Mile in Charhi; drone surveillance deployed to crack down on illegal coal storage
BY AJAY NIRALA
In yet another raid, the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has seized 156.140 metric tonnes of illegally stored coal and two weighbridges during a major crackdown on illegal coal storage and transportation in Indra village, near 15 Mile in the Charhi police station area of Hazaribagh district, Jharkhand.
The operation was conducted by the CISF unit of NTPC-CMP, Hazaribagh, on October 23, 2026, following credible intelligence inputs about illegal coal storage in the area. The special drive continued from 4 pm to 11 pm under the direction of Deputy Commandant Suresh G. and in the presence of Assistant Commandant Sanjeev Kumar Meena.
During the operation, CISF personnel raided illegal coal storage sites in Ragubera, Jaujebeda and the Chaudah-Pandrah Mile area of Indra village. A drone was also deployed to assist surveillance and identify illegal coal stockpiles.
Six heavy-duty Hyva vehicles were used to transport the seized coal to designated secure storage locations and the weighbridge facility of the concerned coal mining project. The entire operation was carried out under the supervision and security of CISF personnel.
In addition to the coal, the force seized two weighbridges allegedly being operated illegally at the sites. The action targeted not only the illegally stored mineral but also equipment allegedly used in its storage and transportation.
Local Intelligence Helps CISF Crack Down on Illegal Coal Trade
According to CISF officials, credible information and cooperation from local villagers played an important role in the operation. Inputs provided by residents have helped security personnel identify suspected illegal coal mining, storage and transportation activities in the region.
The CISF said it remains committed to protecting industrial installations, safeguarding coal project assets and resources, and taking action against illegal activities on the basis of reliable intelligence, continuous surveillance and public cooperation.
Multiple Illegal Coal Depots Allegedly Operating in Charhi
Despite the latest seizure, the scale of the alleged illegal coal trade in the Charhi police station area remains a concern.
According to local information, several illegal coal depots are reportedly operating in areas including Dasokhap, Lotharwa, Jaujebeda, Rangubeda, Gidhouniya, Chaudah Mile, Pandrah Mile, Chanaro and Bahera.
The allegations raise questions about the continued operation of these depots and the effectiveness of enforcement measures against illegal coal storage and transportation.
Local sources have alleged that the police are aware of these activities but have not taken effective action to stop them. These allegations require an official response from the local police authorities.
The latest CISF operation has once again brought the issue of illegal coal storage in Hazaribagh into focus. Sustained enforcement and coordination among security agencies, local police and the district administration will be crucial to preventing the recurrence of such activities.
The author of this article, Ajay Nirala is a senior journalist based in Hazaribagh, who is also the Bureau Chief of UJJWAL DUNIYA Newspaper
