Coal Mafia Corruption in Jharkhand: Govt Accused of Evidence Tampering

A significant accusation has been made by Babu Lal Marandi, the state BJP President and Leader of the Opposition in Jharkhand, against the state government. He alleges that the government is deliberately creating new criminal incidents to mask the deep-seated corruption linked to the coal mafia. This alleged strategy, Marandi stated, signifies a new low for governance and the justice system. The Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) recent crackdown on the coal trade in Dhanbad has exposed a vast network of illegal activities. More alarmingly, Marandi claims that ‘top police officials,’ allegedly benefiting from the ill-gotten wealth of the coal mafia, have tasked their associates with ‘eliminating’ key informants and operatives involved in the racket. These individuals, who are currently being questioned by the ED, are purportedly facing assassination plots to ensure they cannot testify and reveal the truth. Marandi referenced past instances in Jharkhand where ‘evidence encounters’ were purportedly staged to eliminate witnesses. He reminded the public of a former Director General of Police who faced serious allegations of contract killings and unprecedented corruption, with accusations leveled even by politicians within the ruling party. Marandi urged the ED to be exceptionally wary, asserting that in Jharkhand, the suppression of truth is often favored over its revelation. He concluded by stating that when the ruling establishment, the administrative system, and criminal elements operate in unison, the subversion of justice becomes a simple, albeit tragic, outcome.