Sundargarh MLA Jogesh Kumar Singh Seeks CBI Probe Into Massive Illegal Coal Mining Racket

By Sanjay Pattnayak, Freelance writer
Sundargarh April 9, 2025: BJD MLA from Sundargarh, Sri Jogesh Kumar Singh, has stepped up his demand for a high-level investigation into the rampant illegal coal mining activities in Telendihi revenue forest and nearby areas of Hemgir block. In an exclusive interview, Mr. Singh revealed that he has already written letters to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, and the Director of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), urging immediate intervention and a credible probe.
Calling the situation "deeply alarming," Singh stated that lakhs of tonnes of coal have been illegally extracted over the years, causing losses worth thousands of crores to the government exchequer. "This is not a petty operation—this is a well-organized syndicate backed by powerful coal mafias, with alleged involvement of some police and administrative officers," he asserted.
The MLA stressed that because local law enforcement and certain officials may be complicit, only an independent and central agency like the CBI can uncover the full extent of the racket. “I have no faith in a routine departmental inquiry. This is a matter of public interest, state revenue, and environmental damage,” Singh added.
He also raised serious questions over the delay in action, stating that although the illegal mining was reportedly unearthed recently, the forest authorities had informed the Hemgir tehsil office several months ago. “Why was the Divisional Forest Officer not alerted? Were the Sundargarh Collector and higher authorities kept in the dark or was there an attempt to suppress the facts?” he asked.
Singh further alleged that the illegal coal racket spans a 30-km radius, with more than 100 illegal mining points and several coal stockyards. “The stolen coal is being transported unchecked to neighboring states, while legal lease-holding companies continue to operate beside this unchecked looting,” he said.
The BJD leader's strong stance has found resonance across party lines, with BJP leader and former Sundargarh MLA Kusum Tete also demanding a high-level probe. Union Tribal Affairs Minister and local MP Jual Oram has stated that the BJP government will seek a detailed report and promised strict action if the allegations are substantiated.
With political consensus emerging on the seriousness of the issue, all eyes are now on the Odisha government to act swiftly and decisively.