State Monitoring Cell nabs 15 for running coal theft racket in Kutch

Kutch: The state monitoring cell (SMC), working under the supervision of the Director General of Police (DGP) on Friday, excavated a well-established mafia. The racket was stealing imported coal and was putting back inferior quality coal in the consignment in Kutch.

After getting a tip, SMC raided a farm behind the highway hotel in Samakhiyali. They detained 15 people with 12 vehicles. Police also found and seized 559 metric tonnes of coal worth Rs 46 lakh imported from Australia. Unloading of the coal seized took place at Mundra and Navlakhi ports.

Jaideepgiri Goswami, Girirajsinh Zala, and Mihir Barcha were arrested along with some labourers. Six accused, including the masterminds, remain at large. The police have also seized mobile phones and trucks worth 1.75 crores besides the coal.

The official told a newspaper that it is a state-wide racket flourishing in connivance with the transporters and buyers of imported coal. The SMC team also has not ruled out the role of local police in this matter.

DeshGujarat