PARADIP : Frequent theft of coal by mafia and truck drivers from private plots in the prohibited areas of Paradip Port and goods trains on Cuttack-Paradip tracks has posed a challenge to the police and CISF personnel.
The rackets are active in looting coal and iron ore from different points besides the stationary goods trains on Cuttack-Paradip railway line.Paradip Port Trust sources said nearly 20 rakes carrying 74,000 tonnes of coal are being imported from Talcher through Paradip Port daily while 12 rakes carrying 44,000 tonnes of coal are exported through Paradip which accounts transportation of nearly 1,18,000 tonnes of cargo on Cuttack-Paradip railway line. Each rake carries about 3,700 tonnes of coal.
The exporters and importers alleged that local mafia come prepared with gunny bags and baskets to carry their loot. Uncovered rakes and lack of security make the process easy.The stolen coal is then loaded on to tractors and secured in godowns by coal mafia. It is found that stolen coal is proving to be a big problem for the state exchequer. In monetary terms, the loss comes to over lakhs of rupees per month.
Poor security measures are stated to be the reason behind the rise in loot incidents.
About a month back, four persons were arrested for stealing 10 tonnes of coal from a private plot in port area but the mastermind managed to escape leading to resentment among transporters and others.
In another incident, CISF personnel and Paradip police unearthed about 11 tonnes of coal worth `10 lakh from the prohibited area of the port and a truck was also seized. Four persons were arrested in this connection.
In April, a smuggler Sukumar Mahali of Sukhuapada under Paradip police limits sustained serious injuries after coming in contact with a live wire while looting coal from a goods train in the prohibited area.
On Aug 19, 2013 nearly 15 tonnes of coal worth `14 lakh were unearthed from the prohibited area by CISF and police, two trucks were seized and six persons arrested. Similarly, in July, 2013, police nabbed driver of a truck and helper who had looted nearly 16 tonnes of Australian coal from the port.
Different trade union leaders and former trustee of PPT Sudhakar Mantry said lapses in security and involvement of higher officials are the main causes of rise in theft of cargo, including coal and iron ore.