CBI team from Delhi conducts raids in Sambalpur in illegal coal mining case

A team of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) from Delhi conducted raids at multiple locations in Odisha's Sambalpur on Tuesday in connection with an ongoing probe into alleged corruption linked to the Talabira coal mine.

According to sources, the CBI team arrived in the district to investigate allegations of coal extraction beyond the approved limit at the Talabira–One coal mine in Khinda. The probe pertains to claims that coal was mined in excess of the quantity permitted under the mine’s clearance conditions.

As part of the investigation, the CBI has summoned 19 individuals for questioning at the Khinda panchayat office. At the time of reporting, agency officials were questioning several concerned persons, including the Regional Officer of the Sambalpur Pollution Control Department and the Khinda sarpanch.

Officials said the team’s visit to Sambalpur was aimed at examining alleged irregularities related to excess coal mining at the Talabira–One mine and verifying records linked to environmental and operational clearances.

Sources said the CBI had earlier registered a case related to the Talabira coal mine, but the investigation was later closed. However, following renewed complaints from local residents in 2014, the agency carried out raids at the site. The matter was taken up again in 2022 after the CBI received fresh complaints from villagers, during which evidence related to the alleged irregularities was collected.

Mine Allotment History

The Talabira–One coal mine was originally allotted in 1994 to Indalco, which later became Hindalco. The current probe involves a reinvestigation into the alleged corruption and irregularities associated with the mine.

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The investigation was continuing at the time of reporting, and officials said further action would be taken based on the findings of the ongoing inquiry.