Guwahati: In response to explosive reports from the Enforcement Directorate (ED) exposing extensive illegal coal mining activities, Mukul Sangma, Meghalaya’s Leader of Opposition and former Chief Minister, has called for an independent external investigation. Sangma alleges a well-entrenched “cartel” involving bureaucrats and politicians is implicated in these operations.
The ED’s recent raids at 20 locations across Meghalaya’s South Garo Hills and Assam revealed alarming evidence, including over Rs 1.5 crore in cash, luxury vehicles, and incriminating documents that point to an organized illegal coal enterprise. In its press release, the ED highlighted a “deep-rooted syndicate” that has been enabling illegal coal transportation, underscoring the extensive nature of the operation.
Sangma criticized the Meghalaya government’s lack of action on the matter, noting that local authorities have repeatedly failed to address numerous complaints and First Information Reports (FIRs). “The ED team came to South Garo Hills and uncovered illegal mining and transport in a short time, while local police, who are supposed to monitor the situation daily, claim they have no evidence,” Sangma remarked.
He raised concerns about the stagnation in FIR investigations, questioning the police’s effectiveness: “If the ED can uncover evidence, how is it possible that the police cannot?” He also accused the Chief Minister of consistently downplaying the issue of illegal mining, highlighting a worrying disconnect between official statements and on-the-ground realities.
Sangma pointed to the scale of the alleged illegality as indicative of a troubling nexus between politicians and bureaucrats, suggesting that those in power are complicit. “Those in authority are facilitating these operations; hence, the investigation must be broader,” he asserted.
With coal mining being under the jurisdiction of the Government of India (GOI), Sangma urged central authorities to intervene. He proposed utilizing railway transport records from Jogighopa and Dudhnoi as potential evidence to support the claims of illegal activity. “I have reason to believe that such extensive illegalities can only occur with the backing of influential individuals,” he noted.
Emphasizing the need for accountability, Sangma stated that the established cartel between bureaucrats and politicians demands an investigation that targets this interlinked network to safeguard the interests of Meghalaya.
The allegations, compounded by the ED’s findings, paint a disturbing picture of corruption and collusion that calls for immediate attention from both state and central authorities. As the investigation unfolds, the implications for governance and public trust in Meghalaya remain significant, raising critical questions about oversight and responsibility in the face of rampant illegal activities.
Meghalaya, Northeast News, Top News.
Original Source: https://nenow.in/north-east-news/meghalaya/meghalaya-mukul-sangma-calls-for-external-probe-into-illegal-coal-cartel.html
Category : Meghalaya,Northeast News,Top News
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Publish Date: 2025-05-02 09:04:00
