May 26, 2022: Despite the Meghalaya High Court’s order to stop the export of coal through Gasuapara in Meghalaya, it seems trucks are still allegedly transporting coal through the region illegally using e-way bills issued by Guwahati-based Jai Maa Coal Pvt Ltd.

Jai Maa Coal Pvt Ltd, a firm based in Guwahati has been forging the bills and undervaluing the tax invoices and transporting coal from Meghalaya to Bangladesh through Gasuapara Custom Station through the Bhagmara area for a while now.

This firm acts as the front for, Balwant Soni alias Bhama who is the kingpin of the illegal transportation of Meghalaya coal.

A few months back Balwant Soni was arrested by Assam Police on the basis of an FIR filed by the Assam tax department regarding pilferage of Rs 40 crore.

Despite being behind bars, Bhama continues to run the roost.

Earlier the court order came in the wake of a petition filed by an exporter over the legality of the transport of coal that is being exported into Bangladesh through the Gasuapara land custom station.

But it seems no heed has been paid to the High Court’s order as trucks allegedly continue to transport Meghalaya coal illegally to the neighbouring country through Gasuapara Custom Station.