CBI Books Firm For ₹28.8 Lakh Coal Misappropriation

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has registered a case against a West Bengal-based private company for allegedly misappropriating coal worth ₹28.8 lakh from Western Coalfield Limited (WCL).

The company was engaged by WCL Nagpur for cleaning wagons and tracks, but it allegedly sold the coal in the open market, causing a wrongful loss to WCL.

According to the CBI, the company was found collecting coal from wagons and tracks at Dumri Khurd Railway Station in Nagpur, and dumping it nearby. A joint surprise check by the CBI and WCL vigilance department on May 21 found 1427 metric tonnes of coal stacked at the railway premises.

The company had been awarded a contract by the South Eastern Central Railway (SECR) in September 2025 for cleaning wagons and tracks at Dumri Khurd and Tirodi stations. However, it allegedly lifted and sold 720 metric tonnes of coal, causing a wrongful gain to itself and a corresponding loss to WCL.

The CBI has alleged that the company acted in connivance with unknown public servants to misappropriate the coal. The case has been registered against the company and unknown public servants.

The Western Coalfield Limited (WCL) is a subsidiary of Coal India Limited, and is responsible for coal mining in the western region of India. The company's coal mines are located in the states of Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh.

The CBI's action against the West Bengal-based company is part of its efforts to prevent corruption and misappropriation of public resources. The agency has been investigating several cases of coal theft and misappropriation in recent years.

The case against the West Bengal-based company is a significant one, as it highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability in the coal mining sector. The CBI's investigation is ongoing, and it is expected to reveal more details about the company's alleged wrongdoing.

The incident has also raised questions about the effectiveness of the vigilance mechanisms in place to prevent such misappropriation. The WCL and the SECR have been asked to take steps to prevent such incidents in the future.

In conclusion, the CBI's case against the West Bengal-based company is a significant development in the efforts to prevent corruption and misappropriation of public resources. The case highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability in the coal mining sector, and the importance of effective vigilance mechanisms to prevent such incidents.