Coal theft gangs in Ramgarh district have turned increasingly violent, attacking Central Coalfields Limited (CCL) security personnel patrolling company areas. In two consecutive incidents on 24th and 25th September, CCL teams were assaulted at Argadda and Rajrappa, leaving several security staff injured and raising concerns about the safety of coalfield workers.
On 24 September, around 20–25 coal thieves attacked a CCL patrol vehicle near KD Company-Bhuli road in Argadda. Regional Security Officer Deepak Kachhap, Assistant Security Inspector Pradeep Bara, Havildar Sanjeet Kumar and home guards Dharamu and Mubarak were injured after being beaten with sticks and hockey sticks. The team barely managed to escape and was rushed to hospital.
Barely 24 hours later, another attack was reported from Rajrappa where coal smugglers allegedly assaulted security personnel engaged in anti-theft operations. Several staff members were hospitalised. Regional Security Officer Ashish Jha lodged an FIR with Rajrappa police station, but officials said many of the attackers are still absconding.
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Questions Over Security and Policing
The repeated assaults have put a spotlight on CCL’s security preparedness. Earlier in August, coal thieves had targeted CCL’s GM and damaged company vehicles after illegal coal was seized. CCL officials allege that despite prior alerts, local police fail to provide timely assistance. They have renewed their demand for armed police deployment in vulnerable mining zones.
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The attacks come against the backdrop of heightened action by CCL to curb illegal mining after four deaths in an illegal excavation at Kuju Karma project in July. District administration had held CCL management accountable, prompting stricter patrols. The series of assaults, however, point to the growing audacity of coal mafia and have left security staff demoralised.
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