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IN PHOTOS: CISF intensifies anti-coal smuggling operations

Updated On: 20 June, 2026 11:06 PM IST | Asif Ali Sayed

India's coal sector has received a significant boost following legal reforms that have expanded the powers of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) in tackling coal theft and illegal mining activities. Pics/CISF

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Officials believe the new powers will improve the speed and effectiveness of action against coal theft while strengthening prosecution efforts. Pics/CISF
Officials believe the new powers will improve the speed and effectiveness of action against coal theft while strengthening prosecution efforts. Pics/CISF
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Coal remains a critical resource for the country's energy and industrial needs. However, organised criminal networks involved in illegal coal extraction and smuggling have long posed a challenge to both the government and public sector mining companies

Coal remains a critical resource for the country's energy and industrial needs. However, organised criminal networks involved in illegal coal extraction and smuggling have long posed a challenge to both the government and public sector mining companies

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Recent amendments to the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 (MMDR Act) have transformed the role of the CISF from a security provider into a more empowered enforcement agency

Recent amendments to the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 (MMDR Act) have transformed the role of the CISF from a security provider into a more empowered enforcement agency

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Under the revised framework, authorised CISF officers can now directly file complaints before competent courts and conduct searches of vehicles and premises suspected of being involved in illegal coal activities

Under the revised framework, authorised CISF officers can now directly file complaints before competent courts and conduct searches of vehicles and premises suspected of being involved in illegal coal activities

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Previously, the force was required to hand over suspects to local police, often leading to delays in legal proceedings

Previously, the force was required to hand over suspects to local police, often leading to delays in legal proceedings

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The experience of the CISF at the Kargali unit of Central Coalfields Limited (CCL) in Jharkhand's Bermo coal belt highlights the scale of the crackdown

The experience of the CISF at the Kargali unit of Central Coalfields Limited (CCL) in Jharkhand's Bermo coal belt highlights the scale of the crackdown

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