Guwahati: Congress MP and Deputy Leader in Lok Sabha, Gaurav Gogoi, has sharpened his attack on the Assam government following a series of Enforcement Directorate (ED) raids linked to illegal coal operations across Assam and Meghalaya.
The raids, conducted at 15 locations on Thursday, have triggered fresh political heat, with Gogoi questioning the role of the state government and Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma in the alleged coal smuggling nexus.
Taking to social media platform X, Gogoi accused the chief minister of turning a blind eye to what he termed a “coal mafia empire” operating in plain sight.
He alleged that illegal coal extraction—reportedly up to 1,200 tonnes per day—was being carried out from areas such as Margherita, Jogighopa, and Guwahati.
“Rs 1.58 crore in cash seized, fake invoices uncovered, and daily coal smuggling happening right under the CM’s watch. The truth is out. The question remains—who is Assam’s real Syndicate Raja?” Gogoi posted, renewing his demand for a clear response from the government.
According to the ED, despite a judicial ban on mining in Meghalaya, illicit rat-hole mining continues unchecked.
The agency claims a network involving individuals from both Meghalaya and Assam managed the movement of this coal, disguising it as legally mined through forged documentation.
The coal, the ED said, was then funneled into multiple industries—ranging from brick kilns to cement and steel units—via depots in Assam, particularly Jogighopa.
A portion of the coal was also sent directly to unauthorized coke manufacturing units.
The syndicate allegedly charged between Rs. 1.27 lakh to Rs. 1.5 lakh per truck to move illegal coal across state borders.
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Gogoi questioned whether such a large-scale operation could continue without official protection.
“With ED investigations confirming syndicate links and courts summoning officials, how long will the Chief Minister deny responsibility? The people of Assam deserve transparency and accountability,” he said.
The ED maintains that its findings point to a well-organised network profiting from environmental degradation and labour exploitation, operating across state lines under the pretense of legitimacy.
