Nagpur: In a high-profile crime, coal meant for industrial units is being stolen in massive quantities midway by truck operators in Nagpur district. To make up for the stolen coal, stones, soil and other debris is being loaded in the trucks to escape the theft. The clandestine business is being run allegedly in connivance with authorities concerned.
The frequent theft of coal by truck drivers has posed a challenge to the police and WCL authorities. Poor security measures are stated to be the reason behind the rise in loot incidents.
According to reports in local media, a large quantity of coal, mined in Umred Opencast Mine, is vanishing midway. After loading the coal at the opencast mine to be transported to industrial units, the loaded trucks are parked midway at a pre-decided spots. Later, a certain quantity of coal is off-loaded and stacked along the roadside. An empty truck coming from behind loads the stolen coal and speeds away.
The reports further said, around 500-1000 kg coal is being pilfered from each truck daily. It means coal in hundreds of tonnes is being stolen by the truckers. And to escape being caught in the dubious deal, the truckers load stones, soil to make up the weight of the coal before arriving at the weighbridge. As per the ‘setting’ driver of each truck is given Rs 4 per kg. With this count, the truck drivers pocket around Rs 2000 each per day. The stolen coal is then sold in the market for Rs 5000-6000 per tonne.
The rampant theft of coal leaves the WCL and the industrial units in losses. The frequent coal theft by truck drivers go unchecked as the concerned authorities turn a blind eye obviously with some reasons. It is found that stolen coal is proving to be a big problem for the state exchequer. In monetary terms, the loss comes to over lakhs of rupees per month. Poor security measures are stated to be the reason
The WCL authorities were found shirking their responsibility by pleading that it is not their job to check the coal theft on streets. It is the job of the police. On the other hand, the concerned police authorities feigned ignorance about coal theft in their jurisdiction.
According to the Senior Police Inspector of Umred, no complaints of coal theft have been registered with them till to date. On the other hand, the Sub-Area Manager of Umred Mine says that coal is not pilfered in the mine premises. Security is at place to check the coal theft. WCL is not responsible for coal theft on roads outside the mine limits. Police should act and curb the coal theft incidents, he said.
