Meghalaya Police Investigation Into Illegal Coke Plants Biased, Handover Probe To CBI: Petitioner To High Court

Several times after the Meghalaya High Court pulled up the State government and its officials for laxity in acting against illegal coke operations in the State, the petitioner in a related PIL has sought CBI probe into the matter.

"It is crystal clear that Meghalaya Police is not investigating the matter in fair and unbiased manner for the best known to them. It is therefore prayed that the matter is required to be investigated by an independent agency preferably by CBI under the supervision of this Hon'ble Court in the interest of just and fair investigation", the affidavit filed by Shailendra Sharma reads.

Sharma had approached the High Court last year highlighting the menace of illegal coal mining and transportation across the State. Over the span about an year, the High court has asked the State to identify the kingpins and take appropriate legal action. As per the local Police, the persons behind the setting up of illegal coke oven plants are mostly based in Assam and raids have been conducted to arrest them. Last month, the DGP was asked to file his affidavit in the matter.

In response to the same, the Sharma contends that several news reports have revealed the identity of alleged kingpins and proper investigation could uncover even more. However, as per him, despite identification and availability of potential evidence against alleged the kingpins, the Meghalaya Police has failed to apprehend them.

"All Coke Oven Plants operators in the State of Meghalaya are registered under Goods & Service Tax Department. If the details are sought for from GST Department, their entire purchase and sale data about quantity and source of coal with sales details with quantity and destination of sale, the original kingpins involved in running illegal coke oven plans shall be unmasked," the affidavit reads.

The matter is listed for consideration today.

Case Title: Shailendra Kumar Sharma Vs State of Meghalaya.

Click Here To Read/Download Affidavit