TFP Bureau, Raipur, March 30, 2025: The opposition Congress has alleged rampant extortion and lawlessness in Chhattisgarh’s mining sector under the BJP-led state government. Congress spokesperson Sushil Anand Shukla claimed that BJP leaders are charging ₹50 per ton from coal transporters, and those who refuse to pay face threats, harassment, or even violence.
Shukla cited a recent incident in Korba district, where BJP Mandal President Roshan Thakur allegedly shot dead a coal transporter in a long-running dispute over extortion money. “This is Vishnu’s good governance, where murders are happening openly for illegal business,” he said, referring to Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai.
The Congress leader further alleged that illegal mining, particularly in coal and sand, is flourishing under BJP rule. “No truck can transport coal without paying extortion money. Illegal collection centers have been set up under government protection alongside the official permit system,” he claimed.
Highlighting a previous violent incident at the Odisha border in Raigarh, Shukla accused a state minister of shielding the main accused in a coal-related dispute that resulted in hours of gunfire. He also alleged that BJP-backed sand mafias are operating freely, leading to frequent violent clashes over illegal excavation.
Shukla pointed to multiple cases of mining mafia attacking government officials. “In Gariaband, mining officials were beaten up. In Hardidih sand ghat near Arang, 16 officials were attacked while trying to stop illegal mining. The mafia is so fearless that they tore the official documents and reopened sealed equipment,” he alleged, adding that the administration later covered up the incident instead of taking strict action.
The Congress leader accused the BJP of fostering “jungle raj,” where criminals and illegal mining operators act with impunity. “From Bastar to Balrampur, from Surguja to Korba and Raigarh, mining mafias are thriving under BJP protection,” he claimed.
The BJP has not yet responded to these allegations.
