Lagatar24 Desk
Hazaribagh: The murder of NTPC Deputy General Manager Kumar Gaurav on March 8 at Fatha Chowk in Katkamdag police station area was part of a calculated plan to instill fear among coal transport companies and facilitate extortion, police revealed on Monday. Four individuals have been arrested in connection with the case, and the conspiracy is said to have been masterminded by deceased gangster Aman Sahu.
According to Hazaribagh Range DIG Sanjeev Kumar and SP Arvind Singh, the arrested suspects—Mintu Paswan, Rahul Munda, Manoj Mali, and Ajay Yadav—were part of a broader plot to terrorize companies such as NTPC, BGR, Ritwik, and Triveni Sainik involved in coal transportation in Barkagaon and Keredari regions.
Months of Planning and Recruitment
The plan to assassinate Kumar Gaurav had been in motion for several months. Local youth were reportedly recruited into Aman Sahu’s gang and paid a monthly amount. They were also instructed to use specific mobile applications to coordinate activities securely. On February 27, a detailed plan was made by Mintu Paswan, Rahul Munda, and Manoj Mali, acting on the gang’s instructions.
On March 5, shooter Ajay Yadav, a resident of Chatra, was supplied with firearms and ammunition, which were transported with the help of Paswan and Mali. The next day, the accused conducted reconnaissance in Bengwari village, surveying NTPC vehicle routes and possible escape paths.
An initial attempt to carry out the attack near Bengwari’s coal mines on March 7 failed. Finally, on March 8, the team regrouped at Fatha forest and executed the plan, fatally shooting Kumar Gaurav.
Coal Dispatch Disrupted
The killing caused significant disruption in coal operations, affecting dispatch and transportation activities in areas like Keredari Chatti, Baryatu, and Pakri Barwadih. Operations remained suspended for several days, raising serious concerns over security in the coal belt.
Kumar Gaurav, originally from Nalanda in Bihar, was overseeing NTPC’s transport operations when he was targeted. His death triggered intense outrage and raised questions about administrative oversight and law enforcement effectiveness in the region.
