CCTV Footage of Coal Theft Surfaces in Dhanbad, Unchecked Operations from Jharia to Baghmara

Dhanbad: Suspicious activities of coal extraction from closed and mining-restricted areas in Kantapahari, Dhansar View Point, and BCCL Baghmara, Katras, and Jharia coalfields have been captured on CCTV cameras. On October 3 and 5, BCCL's PTZ cameras recorded activities such as people movement, carrying coal in sacks, and loading coal into Hyva trucks. Locals claim such activities have been ongoing for a long time, though this has not been independently verified. Based on the footage, an investigation should be conducted by BCCL management, CISF, and related agencies. Kantapahari: On October 3 at 2:13 PM, the Kantapahari tower camera captured voices of multiple people around the closed mine area. People were seen in three different places near the OCP. Some individuals were spotted carrying sacks towards the hill, raising suspicions that coal is being extracted by entering the closed mine. Conveyor Area: On October 3, activity resembling coal loading into a Hyva near the conveyor belt was also captured on camera. Women and men were seen filling coal into sacks nearby. However, whether this loading is legal or illegal will only be confirmed after verification. Dhansar View Point: At 11:44 AM, the C-1 camera captured two pictures at a 24-second interval. A person was seen running with a sack on his head, while six to seven people appeared active in the mine. Entering a closed mine can be dangerous due to the risk of collapse and toxic gases. It is notable that illegal coal mining from closed mines in the Dhanbad coalfield is recorded as closed on files, but in reality, it is just a facade as illegal mining continues unabated. Yes, it is certain that operations are running for specific faces, not as carelessly as before. On the roads of Katras and Baghmara, coal mining laborers coming from different areas in pick-up vans can definitely be seen. Ironically, these scenes remain hidden from the eyes of BCCL management, security personnel, CISF, police, or the district administration. Laborers brought to cut coal were beaten up: A few days ago, laborers who came from outside to cut coal were beaten up by youths in Chatabad. Laborers from rural areas had gone to eat at a shop in Chatabad when some youths arrived and started arguing. These outsiders are coming and destroying all the coal in Katras. Coal cutting is causing the ground to subside and people's houses to collapse. After the incident, a large crowd gathered. Upon receiving information, the police reached Katras, but by then everyone had left, after which the police returned.