On April 10, two high-ranking officials from Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL) were reportedly pursued and assaulted by a group of individuals, allegedly led by a suspected illegal mining operative, in Dhanbad, Jharkhand. This incident occurred while the officials were inspecting surveillance cameras that had been repeatedly damaged.
The incident was detailed in a first information report (FIR) filed by Hafizul Qureshi, the general manager of security at BCCL. He stated that a team, which included BCCL officials and personnel from the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), had visited the Block-2 mining area around 12:30 PM to investigate the ongoing vandalism of the cameras intended to monitor illegal coal mining activities.
Qureshi explained to The Indian Express that the cameras were frequently damaged by individuals whose actions they were capturing, leading to the decision for a joint inspection with CISF representatives. “We were trying to understand why these cameras were being destroyed and how we could prevent it when a group of approximately 15 to 20 men approached us on motorcycles,” he recounted.
During the encounter, one of the assailants recognized Qureshi and accused him of interfering with their operations, subsequently attempting to drag him toward a village. “They started pushing and pulling at me, saying, ‘You are Qureshi, you are the problem.’ They intended to take me with them,” he stated.
The officials managed to reach their vehicle, but the group allegedly followed them on motorcycles. Recognizing the escalating threat, the driver aimed to reach the Baghmara police station for safety. However, just 50 to 60 meters from the station, the attackers blocked their path and forced the vehicle to halt.
He expressed concern that no immediate action was taken despite the proximity to the police. “This occurred right outside the police station. We were overpowered for a few moments before CISF personnel arrived to rescue me,” he remarked.
Kumar Ranjeev, another senior BCCL official present during the incident, managed to enter the police station amidst the chaos. “Our driver attempted to speed away, but they blocked us before we reached the station. My security team assisted me in getting inside, while others were left behind and later rescued by CISF,” he recounted.
The FIR names a local individual, Pintu Mahto, and his associates, alleging their involvement in illegal mining and the repeated damage to the surveillance equipment. Qureshi has called for action under laws pertaining to assault on public servants, criminal intimidation, obstruction of government duties, and unauthorized entry into mining areas.
He also suggested that the attackers appeared to have prior knowledge of the inspection. “Very few people were aware of my visit. It seems someone leaked the information,” he commented.
Officials have connected the attack to ongoing initiatives aimed at combatting illegal coal mining in the region. Ranjeev affirmed that enforcement actions would persist despite such threats. “We are committed to taking action against illegal mining and will not be deterred,” he declared, mentioning that CISF and local police conducted a flag march in the area following the incident.
A police officer from Baghmara confirmed that a case has been filed, noting that the suspect, Pintu Mahato, allegedly has ties to the illegal coal mafia. An investigation is currently underway.
Shubham Tigga serves as a Correspondent at The Indian Express, currently located in Pune, where he reports on the intersections of infrastructure, labor, and the economy. His focus includes civil aviation, urban mobility, the gig economy, and workers’ rights, providing valuable insights into the impact of transportation and commercial sectors on daily life.
Before relocating to Pune, Tigga extensively covered issues concerning Indigenous rights, environmental justice, and grassroots movements in his home state of Chhattisgarh. This background equips him with a unique perspective on the effects of large-scale infrastructure projects on local communities.
He is a graduate of the distinguished Asian College of Journalism (ACJ), where he developed his investigative reporting and ethical journalism skills. His educational foundation, combined with practical experience in Central India, enables him to navigate complex socio-economic issues with precision and depth.
For more updates, follow us on Instagram.
