Asansol, May 16 -- In a major operation against illegal coal smuggling and extortion rackets, police conducted coordinated raids across four police station jurisdictions under Asansol Durgapur Police Commissionerate (ADPC) and arrested 14 accused.
Firearms and other weapons were also recovered during the crackdown.
The action followed allegations of illegal collection of "goonda tax" (extortion money) on coal transportation from ECL and outsourced collieries who have purchased coal through e-auction tenders. The extortion network had reportedly created fear among coal traders and transporters, severely affecting business operations.
The arrest has come barely forty eight hours within the visit of union minister of state for coal Satish C...