Kolkata: 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 on Thursday 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 has 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
First Published: Thursday, June 02, 2011, 18:47