ABHAYANAND
For the last few days, the economic power of the mines of Sahibganj district of Jharkhand has been discussed in the media. My memories of about 40 years ago came back to life.
Year-end of 1983. I was posted as Superintendent of Police of the Sahibganj district. Bihar was not partitioned then. I was not even aware of the slightest thing about this district.
I understood in 24 hours that looting of government money and looting of mineral wealth are only two problems in this district. World-class granite was available in Pakur, which was being sent out by train by big so-called mine owners, who were legally only mine lessees, for a pittance. Even at that time, crores of rupees of the state revenue were siphoned off by fudging the weight in the goods train.
Here the poverty of Sahibganj was clearly visible. Adivasis and Paharias deserved mercy. Mines workers. In the name of “master” were the great ‘Dhanna Seth’ who had nothing to do with the economic development of Sahibganj, but their own progressive development was clearly visible.
I started my investigation by registering about 50 cases of rigging in mining.
There was an uproar. Result – In 5 months, I was transferred not only from Sahibganj, but also out of Bihar state, to the IB of the Government of India.
The mineworkers started a big movement. Roads were blocked, trains stopped. When the government got worried, the commissioner of Dumka, who was a very honest IAS officer, was sent to Sahibganj to ensure that the charge was completed in a peaceful atmosphere.
Usually, the knowledge of two serious things was acquired in 6 years of job –
- It is impossible to escape the power of money
- The government, be it of any political party, is run by money.
(Courtesy: Blog post of Abhayanand, ex-DGP, Bihar)
