January 31, 2026: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) conducted major raids at Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL) operations in Sundergarh district, Odisha, targeting allegations of unauthorized coal extraction and movement.
A three-member CBI team from New Delhi carried out coordinated searches at the Garjanbahal coal mine and Kanika railway siding, both critical points in coal transportation. Authorities are investigating claims that around 75,000 tonnes of coal were transported without proper documentation, resulting in a potential loss to the national exchequer.
Employees Detained for Questioning
Several employees from Garjanbahal mine and the Kanika siding have been detained for questioning. While no arrests have been made yet, officials are scrutinizing dispatch logs, mine records, and transportation documents to determine responsibility for the alleged irregularities.
Sources indicate that C.P. Sethi, the in-charge of the Kanika railway siding and former project head of Garjanbahal mine, has also been questioned as part of the ongoing investigation.
No Official Statements Yet
The CBI has not released an official statement regarding the raids. MCL officials have also refrained from commenting, citing the ongoing nature of the probe. Investigators are focused on tracking coal movement, verifying documentation, and assessing lapses in oversight.
This action highlights continuing scrutiny over coal extraction and transportation in Sundergarh, a district that has previously seen allegations of illegal mining and unauthorized coal dispatch.