Ranchi, July 21: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has alleged that the 2020 armed attack on a coal mine in Jharkhand’s Latehar district was part of a larger conspiracy orchestrated from inside prisons by members of an organised extortion network.
According to the agency’s investigation, the conspiracy was aimed at intimidating coal traders, transporters and depot operators to force them to pay extortion money.
The NIA claims the plan was coordinated by jailed gang members with the support of associates operating outside prison.
The investigation alleges that the network maintained links with criminals and extremist elements to execute the attack and spread fear across the coal-producing region.
The agency said the objective was to establish control over extortion activities by targeting those who refused to make illegal payments.The incident took place on December 18, 2020, at Tetariakhand Colliery in Latehar district.
Investigators allege that a group of armed assailants opened fire near the mine, set several vehicles ablaze and detonated an explosive device before fleeing the scene.
The attack caused panic in the area and disrupted mining operations.
According to the NIA, handwritten threat messages were left behind, warning coal businesses and transporters of further violence if extortion demands were not met.
The agency further stated that statements recorded from protected witnesses and other evidence collected during the investigation have helped establish the alleged involvement of several accused persons in the case.
The NIA said witness identification and forensic findings form an important part of the prosecution’s case.
The case remains under judicial consideration, and the allegations made by the investigating agency will be examined during court proceedings.
No judicial finding has yet been made regarding the guilt or innocence of the accused.
