Assam: Forest department seizes excavator in crackdown on illegal coal mining in Lekhapani

The Lekhapani Forest Division, under the Digboi Forest Range, has seized an excavator allegedly used for unauthorized coal extraction in the Lekhapani Reserved Forest. The machine is believed to belong to notorious coal trader Kushal Singh from Ledo.

This latest seizure follows a series of enforcement actions by the forest department. Just three days ago, officials arrested Kushal Singh and two others during an operation targeting illegal mining activities in the same area. Authorities also seized a diesel-laden Bolero, which was allegedly supplying fuel for the illicit operations. Singh was later remanded to judicial custody.

On the same day, the forest department, in collaboration with Ledo police, conducted a raid at Singh’s residence, leading to the confiscation of ₹3 lakh in cash and 35 incriminating files linked to illegal coal dealings.

Despite these enforcement measures, illicit coal mining activities persisted in the area. In response, the Lekhapani Forest Division launched another operation today, successfully seizing the excavator used in the illegal coal extraction. Preliminary findings confirm that the machine also belongs to Singh.

The forest department has taken custody of the excavator and is continuing its investigation to unearth further links to illegal coal mining operations in the region. Officials have vowed to tighten surveillance and take stringent action against offenders involved in such activities.