Mamata promises stern action against coal mafia, backers

Kolkata, June 2: Rattled by the killing of three persons in broad daylight by suspected members of the coal mafia in Asansol in West Bengal, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee today (June 2) promised stern action against those involved in illegal coal mining and their alleged political backers.

Banerjee alleged that the coal mafia enjoyed political shelter under the erstwhile Left Front rule and were responsible for illegal mining and other crimes.

"In the Asansol coal belt, the coal mafia have been operating for long and they have enjoyed political shelter all these years, but stern action will be taken by the government against them and those who are backing them," Banerjee warned.

She told reporters a separate set-up would be put in place by the government to deal with the coal mafia who would not be allowed to get away with criminal activity henceforth.

Before the recent Assembly election in the state, Mamata had gone on record asking local party leaders to draw up a list of suspects and promised to take action against them after coming to power.

PTI