A joint surprise inspection conducted by the vigilance departments of South East Central Railway (SECR), Western Coalfields Ltd (WCL), and the CBI Anti-Corruption Wing last week uncovered approximately 1,400 metric tonnes of excess coal at the Dumri Khurd yard. The stacked stock is estimated to be worth nearly ₹30 lakh in the open market, raising serious concerns about possible irregularities in coal handling operations and theft.
Details of the Raid
The Dumri Khurd yard, situated in a key coal belt region, serves as a major loading point for freight wagons. During the loading process, excess coal often spills from wagons due to operational factors, creating accumulated surplus material at the site, according to a source. To manage this excess coal efficiently and prevent pilferage, both SECR and WCL appoint separate contractors responsible for clearing and handling the surplus. Sources indicate that the SECR contractor was appointed as recently as November 2025.
The multi-agency raid was conducted last Friday following multiple tip-offs that the excess coal was allegedly being siphoned off for unauthorised sale, an official stated. Officials from all three agencies arrived unannounced at the yard and carried out a thorough verification. They measured the coal stock, clicked photographs and videos as evidence, collected representative samples for laboratory analysis, and seized relevant documents, registers, and records related to coal movement.
Past Allegations and Ongoing Risks
The raid assumes added significance in light of past allegations that around 17 tippers of coal were illegally removed from the same yard between March 21 and 24 this year. Sources revealed that despite these allegations, a substantial quantity — approximately 20-25 truck loads — remains stacked at the site, posing a continued risk of unauthorised shifting.
The CBI is currently scrutinising all evidence, including transaction records, contractor agreements, and movement logs. If any violations, collusion, or misappropriation are established, the agency is expected to register a criminal case against the erring contractor and others involved under provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act.
This incident highlights the ongoing challenges in monitoring coal handling operations and preventing theft in the region. Authorities are likely to increase surveillance and tighten contractor oversight to avoid future irregularities.
