Ex-minister seeks DGP's intervention

Aurangabad: Peeved over the inordinate delay in arresting the accused of the much-publicized coal scam, senior BJP member and former state cooperative minister Ramadhar Singh has sought the intervention of the DGP in the case.
Two months ago, a team, led by sadar SDM Surendra Prasad, carried out raids at several coal factories under the Mufassil and Barun police station areas.The district administration brought to light massive irregularities and lodged FIRs against the factory owners, including Sunil Singh, the brother of a local BJP MP.
Talking to mediapersons on Tuesday, Ramadhar Singh said he wrote a letter to the DGP regarding the delay in the arrest of coal mafia leaders. "Two months have passed, but the police have taken no action against the accused," he said and added the criminals were causing huge losses to the government exchequer by lifting coal at subsidized rates and selling it in the market at higher prices.
According to district administration officials, rackets cannot thrive without the alleged support of the local police. Sadar SDPO P N Sahu, on the contrary, said, "We are doing our job and the accused will soon be arrested."
Earlier, Aurangabad DM Kawal Tanuj had written separate letters to Coal India Limited officials and state industry department principal secretary urging them to stop the allotment of coal to owners who flout rules.
One killed, one hurt: Armed criminals shot dead one Mir Hassan at Erka village under Amba police station, about 18 km from the district headquarters on Tuesday night. The deceased is a native of Jogiya village under Barun police station. According to the deceased's family members, Hassan along with his cousin Mohd Jalim was going to attend a wedding ceremony at Chakanbag village on a bike. A group of criminals intercepted them near Erka and tried to snatch their bike and cash.
Police sources said when the duo resisted the attempt, criminals opened fire at Hassan causing grievous injuries to him. His cousin jumped from the bike and also sustained serious injuries as the bike was in speed. The incident took place close to a CRPF camp near Erka.
"The two injured persons were rushed to Aurangabad Sadar hospital by some local people but Hassan succumbed to his injuries mid-way," said a source.
On getting information, SDPO (sadar) PN Sahu rushed to the spot. He said police are conducting raids to arrest the criminals. It may be mentioned here that this is the second incident of road hold-up in the district.