Lagatar24 Desk
Hazaribag: Despite a change in local administration and a reported clampdown on illegal coal mining across various parts of Hazaribag, one area remains untouched — Ango’s Choyi Banda jungle. Reports indicate that 4–5 truckloads of coal are being extracted illegally each day without interference, raising serious questions about the silence of responsible authorities.
The illegal operations are being carried out by a group of locals — Ranjan Singh, Prabhat, Tuntun, and Ashok Mahato — allegedly with the support of a man named Munna, who is believed to be a relative of a police officer and well-connected with the new regime.
The scale of this operation suggests deep-rooted confidence. The perpetrators have reportedly set up a coal depot and even installed a 100-MT weighbridge in the jungle itself. Coal is first stockpiled at the depot via tractors, weighed, and then dispatched to various parts of Bihar.
In one recent development, the Forest Department seized a truck (JH-02BM-5575) loaded with illegal coal near Chauparan about five days ago. It was confirmed that the coal was loaded from the same Ango-based illegal depot. A case has been filed following the seizure.
Hazaribag has long been known for its rampant illegal coal trade. Areas like Barkagaon, Charhi, and Churchu have witnessed extensive unauthorized mining. However, the administration’s inertia remains deeply concerning. Even after two major accidents led to five deaths during illegal coal extraction, authorities showed little urgency. Sources claim monetary incentives drowned out the cries of bereaved families. A man known as Dabbou allegedly continued to run illegal operations freely while the system remained unresponsive.
