Archive · 18 Sep 2026
CISF Recovers 10,000 Tonnes of Illegal Coal in Eastern Mines
The Central Industrial Security Force, or CISF, protects some coal mines in India.
It has been conducting special operations in Jharkhand and West Bengal.
During the past two months, it found more than 10,000 tonnes of coal that officials said was stolen or illegally collected.
The coal was worth crores of rupees.
The government has allowed the CISF to search for and seize illegally mined coal.
About 12,000 CISF personnel are protecting 10 mining units.
The operation aims to stop criminal groups from stealing coal.
The CISF director also visited the mines to check how security was working.
The Central Industrial Security Force recovered more than 10,000 tonnes of illegal or pilfered coal during operations over the past two months.
The recovered coal was seized from mines in Jharkhand and West Bengal and was reportedly worth crores of rupees.
The Union government authorised the CISF to conduct search and seizure operations under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957.
Around 12,000 CISF personnel are guarding 10 mining units against organised coal theft in the two states.
CISF Director General Praveer Ranjan reviewed security arrangements and met mining company officials during a three-day tour.
- Who
- The Central Industrial Security Force, led by Director General Praveer Ranjan, conducted the operations.
- What
- The CISF recovered more than 10,000 tonnes of illegal or pilfered coal and apprehended vehicles and people.
- When
- The recoveries took place during the two months since July; Praveer Ranjan completed a three-day tour on Friday.
- Where
- Coal mines in Jharkhand and West Bengal, including sites linked to Dhanbad and Asansol.
- Why
- The operations were launched to prevent coal pilferage and theft by organised criminal groups.
- Coal recovered
- More than 10,000 tonnes
- Operation period
- The two months since July
- States involved
- Jharkhand and West Bengal
- Security personnel
- About 12,000 CISF personnel
- Mining units guarded
- 10 units
- Legal authority
- Search and seizure powers under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957
- Estimated value
- Crores of rupees