The district administration in Bokaro, Jharkhand, has launched an aggressive crackdown against illegal coal mining activities following a tragic incident where three women lost their lives due to a mine collapse. In the aftermath of the accident near CCL Kathara coal stock number 5, authorities have stepped up surveillance in vulnerable areas where unauthorized coal extraction takes place covertly. Acting on strict directives issued by the deputy commissioner, a special raid was conducted in the Jageshwar Vihar police station area of Daniya. During this operation, numerous illegal coal mines concealed deep within the forest were uncovered, and the administration promptly deployed heavy machinery to demolish and seal them.
Rathole Mining Operations Hidden Inside Dense Forests
During the inspection of the Daniya sector, the administrative team discovered several unauthorized rat-hole mines operating clandestinely. These narrow and cramped underground passages were being utilized to extract coal unlawfully from beneath the earth. Reports indicate that operators took advantage of the dense forest cover to run this large-scale illegal mining network for an extended period. As part of the ongoing crackdown, enforcement teams initiated operations to close down the illicit sites immediately. Excavators and earth-moving machinery were deployed to destroy the mouths of these pits, ensuring that coal extraction cannot be resumed at those locations.
Joint Operation Involving Police, Forest, and Mining Departments
The punitive action was executed jointly under the direct orders of the district administration. Officials and personnel from both the mining department and the forest department participated in the operation, backed by a heavy deployment of police forces to maintain order. The composite team combed the area to locate all associated hideouts and unauthorized setups. Furthermore, the administration has registered a formal First Information Report at the Jageshwar Vihar police station against unidentified individuals involved in this illicit enterprise. Police are currently investigating the matter to identify and apprehend all culprits operating behind the scenes.
