The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) confiscated over ₹13 lakh in cash and jewellery valued around ₹52 lakh from former Sahibganj district mining officer, Bibhuti Kumar. These searches, tied to an illegal stone mining case, come as Jharkhand gears up for Assembly elections, officials reported on Wednesday.
Expansive Search Operation
The CBI initiated searches across 20 locations related to the case, which includes Pankaj Mishra, a former aide to Chief Minister Hemant Soren, as an accused. So far, CBI teams have recovered a total of ₹75 lakh, including cash and valuables from Kumar’s premises.
Alongside the cash and jewellery, the agency found investments worth ₹11 lakh, documents for seven properties, and fixed deposits worth approximately ₹10 lakh. These were uncovered at Kumar’s residence as part of the extensive investigation into illegal mining.
Upcoming Elections and Political Impact
With polling scheduled on November 13 and 20, the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) and INDIA bloc allies will be up against the BJP and NDA in the state elections. The case, registered on November 20, 2023, on the Jharkhand High Court’s orders, has highlighted significant political and administrative connections.
Allegations of Extensive Illegal Mining
The FIR includes multiple individuals: Pankaj Mishra, Pavitra Kumar Yadav, Rajesh Yadav, Sanjay Kumar Yadav, Bacchu Yadav, Sanjay Yadav, and Suvesh Mandal. Allegedly, they participated in “pilferage and illegal extraction” of stones at Sahibganj’s Nimbu Pahar, leading to substantial government losses through unpaid royalties and violations of mining regulations, according to the CBI.
The investigation has uncovered extensive illegal mining operations concealed through various means by individuals and firms. The CBI spokesperson indicated that initial evidence points to organized efforts to extract and divert resources without oversight.
High Court Orders CBI Enquiry
The Jharkhand High Court mandated the CBI probe after a writ petition from Bijay Hansda, who alleged two-and-a-half years of illegal mining involving local officials and “stone mafia” in Sahibganj. The case continues as the CBI expands its investigation.
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