Around 12,000 Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel have been deployed across Jharkhand and West Bengal to crack down on coal pilferage and the organised coal mafia, the force said on Friday (September 18, 2026).
CISF Director-General Praveer Ranjan conducted a three-day operational review of coal-producing regions in Jharkhand and West Bengal from September 16 to 18. “Guarding the treacherous terrains of the coal belt, over 12,000 CISF personnel deployed across 10 units are currently engaged in a relentless battle against a long-thriving, organised coal mafia,” the CISF said.
It said that with the help of drone surveillance, CISF personnel have been conducting surprise raids, “braving violent mobs and hardened criminals.” Strict enforcement of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act since July has resulted in the recovery of more than 10,000 tonnes of coal worth crores of rupees and apprehension of several vehicles and persons allegedly involved in the pilferage of coal, the CISF said.
The government has recently entrusted the security of the highly sensitive Amrapali Coal Mines in Jharkhand to the CISF, and the Force is set to take over charge shortly.
Mr. Ranjan also visited the Eastern Coalfields Limited (ECL) at Sheetalpur in West Bengal.
Addressing a Combined Sainik Sammelan, the DG sensitised personnel to emerging threats, particularly cyber fraud and online gambling, while stressing the importance of mental well-being and a healthy work-life balance.
At a meeting with officials of Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL) and the Dhanbad police chief in Jharkhand, Mr. Ranjan asked them to prepare a roadmap to ensure “zero coal leakage”.
Published – September 18, 2026 08:45 pm IST
