Sahebganj Stone Mafia Faces Scrutiny Over Illegal Mining

Jharkhand’s political landscape is abuzz with allegations of illegal stone mining, as Babulal Marandi, the Bharatiya Janata Party’s state president and Leader of Opposition, has written to Chief Minister Hemant Soren. The letter specifically targets Satyanath Sah, identified as a major player in the stone mafia in the Borio area of Sahebganj. Marandi’s complaint outlines that Sah’s alleged illegal mining operations have spanned approximately 20 acres, significantly exceeding his legitimate four-acre mining concession. Reports indicate that a two-member team, directed by the Sahebganj Deputy Commissioner, has investigated and confirmed the illegal extraction of stones. The BJP leader contends that this illegal enterprise has deprived the state of an estimated ₹200 crore in potential revenue. Marandi’s demands include the immediate cessation of all illicit mining, strict legal action against Satyanath Sah, and the recovery of the substantial financial losses incurred by the government. He also called for measures to ensure the safety and security of those who report such illegal activities.