Korba 11 March 2026: Allegations of a major discrepancy in coal stock have surfaced at the Kusmunda project of South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL), with a complaint claiming that nearly 7 million tonnes (MT) of coal, valued at around ₹2,100 crore, may be unaccounted for. The complaint terms the issue as a case of “phantom coal” and has raised suspicion of possible tampering with official records.
The allegations are based on documents analysed by journalist and RTI activist Jitendra Sahu, who has pointed to significant inconsistencies in stock figures recorded in official documents. According to the records cited in the complaint, the closing stock in March 2025 was shown as 9,690,541.49 tonnes, whereas the opening stock for April 2025 was recorded at 8,999,258.16 tonnes.
The complainant has further alleged that the actual coal available on the ground appears to be far lower, estimating the physical stock at around two million tonnes, thereby indicating a substantial mismatch between records and the on-site position.
The complaint has alleged that officials may have reflected the presence of “non-existent coal” in documents in order to maintain stock balances and avoid accountability. It has sought an investigation into the roles of key officials of the Kusmunda Area, including the Area General Manager, Colliery Manager, Area Survey Officer and Area Finance Manager.
Letters seeking a probe have reportedly been sent to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED). The complainant has also expressed apprehension that digital as well as physical evidence could be tampered with if immediate steps are not taken.
Among the measures suggested in the complaint are sealing of the dispatch cell and mining survey office of the Kusmunda project, conducting a LiDAR-based drone volumetric survey of the coal stockyard, and a forensic audit of ERP/SAP systems and weighbridge records to ascertain the actual stock position.
The complaint has also raised the possibility of grade manipulation, suggesting that stones, overburden or other material might have been recorded as coal in official records to maintain stock figures.
Speaking on the issue, RTI activist Jitendra Sahu said that the discrepancies noticed in documents warrant a thorough and impartial investigation so that the actual position can be established.
Responding to the allegations, S.T. Patil, General Manager of the Kusmunda coal mine, said the issue has been raised repeatedly over the past couple of years and that old documents are often cited in a misleading manner before the media.
“This matter has been coming up for the last one to two years. Old papers are taken out and presented in a twisted manner before the media. Several inquiries have already been conducted in this regard. If any further probe is ordered, we are ready to extend full cooperation,” Patil said.
No official confirmation of any investigation by central agencies has been reported so far. However, if the allegations are substantiated, the issue could emerge as a significant controversy in the coal sector.
