Bengal coal scam accused arrested in POCSO case, sent to police custody

While being taken to Alipore court , Vikash Mishra alleges a 'conspiracy to kill me', says truth might bring down the government

The arrest of the accused, Vikash Mishra, comes as the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) prepares to file formal charges against him in the Asansol court concerning the coal smuggling allegations. (Express Photo)

Vikash Mishra, a key accused in the West Bengal coal smuggling case, was on Sunday arrested by the Kolkata Police in a recently registered case under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO).

Mishra, who was out on bail in the coal and cow smuggling cases following his arrest by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), was sent to police custody till November 28 by the Alipore court later in the day. In the POCSO case that was filed a few days back, a woman has accused Mishra of molesting her niece, officials said.

His arrest comes at a time when the CBI is preparing to file charges against him in the coal smuggling case in Asansol court. While being taken to the Alipore court on Sunday, Mishra levelled allegations of a “conspiracy to kill me”, claiming that exposing the “truth might bring down the government”.
After his arrest in the coal smuggling case, Mishra, who was later named in the CBI chargesheet, had claimed innocence. He argued that he appeared before the CBI numerous times and that there was “no concrete evidence” linking him to the scam. The coal pilferage scam in Bengal is related to the illegal mining and pilferage of coal from leasehold areas of Eastern Coalfields Ltd (ECL) in the Kunustoria and Kajora areas of Paschim Bardhaman district. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is probing the money laundering aspect of the case.

Also Read | Sexual harassment case cannot be closed on basis of compromise: Supreme Court

Investigations into the case began in 2020 when the theft of coal from various railway sidings in the state came to light. The income tax department and the CBI started investigating the matter. The central agency later conducted searches at several locations linked to one Anup Maji, and four others, including Maji’s associate Gurupada Maji, and arrested them. While three others got bail, Gurupada is still lodged in Delhi’s Tihar jail.

According to the CBI, Anup Maji used to take the help of Enamul Haque, an accused in the cow smuggling case, to smuggle coal. Apart from “enjoying political support”, the CBI claimed that Maji was in contact with officials of the Eastern Coalfields Ltd, police and the railways.

Sweety Kumari

Sweety Kumari is a seasoned journalist reporting from West Bengal for The Indian Express. With over a decade of experience in the media industry and eight years specifically with The Indian Express, she demonstrates considerable Expertise and Authority across a diverse range of critical beats. Experience & Authority Current Role: Journalist, The Indian Express, reporting from West Bengal. Extensive Tenure: Over 10 years of experience in the media industry, with a long association (8 years) with The Indian Express, contributing to a high level of Trustworthiness. Diverse Coverage: Covers crucial beats including Crime, Defence, Health, and Politics, alongside writing on trending topics. Investigative Focus: Possesses a keen eye for investigative and human-interest stories, demonstrating depth and skill in impactful journalism. Beat Versatility: Has honed her craft across diverse beats, including aviation and reporting on various incidents, ensuring well-rounded and comprehensive reportage. Career Start: Began her journalistic journey as an Entertainment and lifestyle journalist with a news portal in Kolkata, providing a foundational understanding of media landscape and audience engagement. Education Advanced Education: Holds a PG in Mass Communication from Jadavpur University, equipping her with advanced media theory and skills. Undergraduate Education: Holds an Honours degree in Journalism from Jaipuria College. Multilingual Skill: Her fluency in English, Hindi, Bengali, and Maithili enhances her reach and capability to connect with diverse sources and communities in the region, adding a layer of accessibility and authenticity to her reporting. Regional Roots: Originally from Bihar, she was brought up and educated in Kolkata (Kendriya Vidyalaya Salt Lake), giving her a deep, personal understanding of the cultural and political nuances of her reporting region. Sweety Kumari's combination of significant experience, specialization in key beats like Crime and Politics, and strong academic background makes her a trusted and authoritative contributor to The Indian Express. ... Read More

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