Sambalpur, Feb 3: A Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) team from Delhi conducted raids at the Khinda Talabira coalmine in Sambalpur on Tuesday morning.


Following allegations of illegal coal mining, the CBI team began its investigation soon after arriving in Khinda and is expected to interrogate 21 villagers in connection with the case.


Officials confirmed that the Rengali Block Development Officer (BDO) and the Khinda village head will also face questioning as part of the probe.


Local sources indicated that the inquiry is focused on irregularities in coal extraction and possible violations of mining regulations.


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The Talabira-I mine has been under scrutiny for some time, with villagers raising concerns about excessive mining and its impact on the region.


The raids mark a significant step in the ongoing investigation into coal sector irregularities, highlighting the CBI’s intensified focus on corruption and illegal mining practices. The outcome of the interrogation and subsequent findings are expected to shed light on the scale of alleged violations at the site.