From Our Correspondent
TURA, Oct 6: Indicative of how deep the nexus runs to ensure the movement of illegally extracted coal, former MLA and social activist, Rophul S Marak along with another activist Kingstone B Marak have filed a petition with Justice (retired) BP Katakey seeking a verification of the coal that is being claimed to be lying around in two Coal India Limited (CIL) designated depots in Nongalbibra and Nongjri.
The petitioners have named one George S Marak, who they alleged was the kingpin in the entire illegal coal extraction racket and M/S Coal Traders and sought a spot inquiry to verify the contents in the depots of Pathalgittim in South Garo Hills and Nongjri in South West Khasi Hills. Both depots are expected to allow for the transport of coal into neighbouring Bangladesh through Nongjri and Gasuapara Land Customs Station (LCS).
While George Marak has been provided permission to move 2,880 MT coal from Nongjri, M/S Coal Traders have been provided similar permission for 2,616 MT of coal allegedly lying at Pathalgittim.
Interestingly the Directorate of Mineral Resources (DMR) has already e-auctioned the coal to George Marak and M/S Coal Traders despite the fact that the said amount of coal has never been present in the two depots.
The permissions to move the apparently present coal was provided to the two in May and June this year.
“People of SGH and SWKH are extremely doubtful of the presence of the said amount of coal in both depots. While they did not wish themselves to be named, they have expressed their doubts following which we decided to approach you on the matter,” stated the petitioners.
“There is no coal as claimed by the DMR in the two depots. It is pertinent to note that the High Court of Meghalaya has observed and directed that action be taken against George Marak as he is one of the kingpins in the illegal extraction and transportation of coal. We seek your intervention into the matter so that a spot verification can be conducted to prove the facts,” they added.
Referring to the directive by the secretary to the state of Meghalaya who had stated that e-auctions could be cancelled at any time without assigning any reason, the petitioners moved that the same be done in the instant case.
“We also seek very strong action to be taken against the officers that have been facilitating such illegal practices and issuing challans without actually verifying the amount of coal actually present in depots,” said the petitioners.
Interestingly, as per local sources, the so called ‘owners’ of the extracted coal that is registered with the DMR and various district administrations, have also raised questions.
“Most of those named to be owners of huge quantities of coal do not even own coal mines. This is definitely an exercise to hide the real owners as proxies are being used. The HC and Justice Katakey should verify the ownership as well. They will be highly surprised at the extent to which things have gone,” said a highly placed source.