Raipur

In a major crackdown on illegal coal trading, Durg police seized 15.53 tonnes of illegally stored coal worth more than ₹3 lakh and arrested three persons for allegedly running the operation using forged GST invoices.

Acting on a specific tip-off, a joint team of the Anti-Crime and Cyber Unit (ACCU) and Khursipar Police conducted a raid near Khursipar Gate. During the operation, police found a large quantity of coal allegedly stockpiled by the prime accused, Vijay Kumar Kesarwani, for illegal sale.

The team recovered 15.53 tonnes of coal, along with weighing equipment and several relevant documents from the site.

During questioning, Kesarwani produced transport records and GST invoices to prove the legitimacy of the business. However, after verification with the GST Department and a detailed technical examination, investigators found the invoices to be forged and intended to mislead law enforcement authorities.

Further investigation into financial transactions, digital payment records, and mobile phone data revealed the involvement of two other individuals in preparing and supplying the fake documents. Based on the evidence, police arrested Rajkumar Mishra and Sunil Sharma for their alleged role in the fraud.

Police said the investigation is ongoing to determine the actual source of the coal, identify the transportation network involved, and uncover any additional individuals linked to the illegal operation.

A case has been registered at Khursipar Police Station under Sections 317(4), 336(3), and 340(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

Arrested Accused

• Vijay Kumar Kesarwani (48) – Resident of Khursipar Market
• Rajkumar Mishra (46) – Resident of Priyanka Nagar, Khursipar
• Sunil Sharma (50) – Originally from Dalli Rajhara, Balod district, currently residing in Housing Board Colony, Jamul, Durg district.