Open loot! Coal theft from goods trains continues unabated in Odisha

Rampant theft of coal from goods trains has become a menace in Odisha, particularly in the Bhadrak-Dhamra Port private rail line. Despite repeated warnings, the illegal practice allegedly continues unabated in Bhadrak and Balasore districts.

A group of villagers, including school children, stealing coal from coal-laden wagons is a daily sight here.

When the goods trains pass through the port, young kids steal the coal with profuse dexterity. In one go, they steal almost 50-100 bags of coal that are sold to mafia and brick kiln owners between Rs 50 to Rs 75 per bag for a living. The mafia in turn trade the black diamond in the open market and earn income in manifold.

Nearly, three to five trucks of coals are pilfered each day leading to the loss of crores of rupees. With the mafia calling the shots and police allegedly preferring to play mute spectators, the locals here have no choice but to watch the illegal activities.

“Instead of going to school, young kids are putting their lives at risk to smuggle coal from speeding trains and sell them to earn money. A few smugglers are involving these kids in illegal activities. This is going unabated but the administration is in deep slumber,” alleged a resident.

Similarly, another resident said, “The smuggling is going on with no steps being taken by the administration or officials concerned. Coal smuggling is now slowly turning into a business here. Everyone is lured into it as there is a lot of money.”

“We demand the District Collector, SP, and railway police to immediately intervene and take steps to immediately ban such activities,” he added.

Not just in Bhadrak, the coal smuggling is going on unabated in Balasore’s Simulia. The illegal practices have sparked concerns among locals who demanded frequent patrolling and deputation of staff in sensitive areas to tackle these menace.

A special squad should be formed to check coal smuggling, locals demanded.