Burdwan, Jan. 6 :
Burdwan, Jan. 6:
Inspector-general of police (western range) Jit Ram Bhagat has ordered an inquiry into allegations of a nexus between the coal mafia and a section of district police officials - in service now and some recently retired.
Police sources said chief minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee has been informed about the probe. 'We are inquiring from every angle. Those found guilty will be dealt with sternly,' Bhagat said today.
A special team, led by additional superintendent of police Anirban Roy, raided a hotel on the outskirts of Burdwan town this morning in connection with the probe, and arrested Madhusudan Sarkar and seized incriminating documents.
The documents include residence and mobile phone numbers of senior police officers who have served in the district. An official connected with the probe said Madhusudan's elder brother, Ajit, was a home guard who also worked as the police superintendent's cook for 10 years.
Sources in the administration said Bhagat ordered the probe after a coal smuggler was arrested in Kalna a month ago while trying to bribe a police officer. During interrogation, he had revealed information on the nexus.
Police gala: The strikes on the World Trade Center came alive in dazzling fireworks at the district police gala held recently in Hooghly. Ministers Naren De and Pratim Chatterjee and Bhagat were present at the show.