Ranchi: The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has seized approximately 250 tonnes of Grade-9 coal from an isolated location near Phulbasia Siding in an intelligence-led operation against coal theft and pilferage.
The action marks the first major enforcement operation by CISF following its formal induction in the Central Coalfields Limited (CCL) Magadh and Amrapali areas on September 19, 2026. The newly inducted CISF formation has been tasked with strengthening security, surveillance and enforcement measures to prevent coal theft, pilferage, unauthorised storage and illegal transportation.
CISF Conducts Intelligence-Based Operation
According to CISF officials, the operation was launched following specific intelligence inputs regarding the suspected illegal accumulation and storage of coal at an isolated location.
A CISF team, supported by the Quick Reaction Team (QRT), acted on the information and conducted a raid at the identified location.
The operation resulted in the recovery of approximately:
- 250 tonnes of Grade-9 coal
- Coal allegedly accumulated at an isolated location away from active operational zones
- Material suspected to be linked to coal pilferage
The recovery highlights CISF’s focus on intelligence-led surveillance and prompt field response to prevent coal leakage from the mining and transportation chain.
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CISF Team Led by Senior Officers
The operation was led by Deputy Commandant Ajay Pandey, along with Assistant Commandants Subhash Kumar and Harsh Lawaniya. The operation was conducted under the supervision of Commandant Amir Kumar.
The involvement of the QRT enabled the CISF team to respond promptly after receiving intelligence regarding the suspected coal storage location.
Suspected Coal Pilferage Modus Operandi
According to preliminary inputs, investigators suspect that coal was being manually shifted from the siding area to isolated locations away from active mining and operational zones. The suspected process involved moving smaller quantities of coal to intermediate storage points before its onward transportation.
Investigators suspect that the use of such isolated storage locations and multiple stages of transportation was intended to conceal the movement of pilfered coal and facilitate its subsequent transportation through larger commercial vehicles. The suspected onward transportation involved vehicles such as heavy trucks and Hywas.
Operation Linked to Zero Coal Leakage Initiative
The operation assumes significance in the context of the government’s Zero Coal Leakage initiative, under which CISF has been tasked with strengthening intelligence-based surveillance and enforcement against coal pilferage.
The focus includes identifying locations suspected of being used for:
- Illegal accumulation of coal
- Unauthorised storage
- Coal pilferage
- Illegal transportation
- Movement of pilfered coal through larger commercial vehicles
CISF officials said similar operations would continue in the coming days, particularly with a focus on identifying isolated storage points and disrupting networks involved in the accumulation and movement of pilfered coal.
CISF Enforcement Powers Under Mining Law
CISF’s enforcement role has also been strengthened through statutory powers available to designated officers under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957.
Under the relevant provisions, authorised officers can conduct searches and inspections in cases involving suspected illegal mining or storage of minerals and take further action in accordance with the law.
CISF Strengthens Security in CCL Magadh and Amrapali Areas
The seizure comes shortly after CISF’s formal induction in the CCL Magadh and Amrapali areas on September 19, 2026.
The newly inducted formation is responsible for strengthening security and surveillance in the coal-producing areas, with particular emphasis on preventing theft and pilferage.
The latest operation demonstrates the focus on intelligence-based enforcement and field-level action against suspected coal leakage points. CISF officials indicated that enforcement operations will continue to identify vulnerable locations and prevent pilfered coal from entering the wider transportation chain.
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