Kaziranga mining scandal: Congress seeks CBI probe, accuses CM and KAAC Chief of collusion and environmental betrayal

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJune 6, 2025

The Assam Congress has called for a CBI investigation into widespread illegal mining in the Kaziranga–Karbi Anglong landscape, citing violations of a 2019 Supreme Court order and a recent report by the Central Empowered Committee (CEC). At a press conference held at Rajiv Bhawan, senior Congress leader and former MP Ripun Borah levelled serious allegations, claiming direct political collusion behind the mining racket.

Borah demanded the immediate arrest of KAAC Chief Executive Member Tuliram Ronghang on sedition charges, accusing him of systematically defying the Supreme Court and enabling environmental destruction. He also alleged a close nexus between Ronghang and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, claiming the illegal operations were politically protected.

“Tuliram Ronghang is always seen with the CM—even on foreign trips. We call him the CM’s ATM. When money is needed, it comes from Ronghang,” Borah said.

He cited extensive damage to forest cover, biodiversity, and plantations in Karbi Anglong and linked it to political inaction. Borah also referenced the January 2025 coal mine tragedy in Dima Hasao, where more than 35 workers died and the bodies of several victims remain untraced. Despite an FIR against Kanika Hojai, wife of NCHAC CEM Debolal Gorlosa, no concrete action has been taken, he said.

Borah pointed to a 2019 Supreme Court order that banned all mining and related activities in areas around Kaziranga National Park, including rivers and streams originating from the Karbi Anglong hills and flowing into the park. The order also prohibited new construction in nine animal corridors vital to the park’s ecological integrity.

Despite this clear directive, KAAC granted mining permits at 12 sites, including the prohibited Parcup Pahar area. A forest officer’s complaint prompted the Supreme Court to appoint the CEC, which investigated the issue from December 2024 to May 2025. The committee confirmed ongoing illegal mining in violation of the court’s order.

The KAAC had issued licenses to several individuals, including Bidyasing Engti (Napani), Lip Terang (Lengthang), Bronson Terang, Raju Inghi, Mangalsing Engti, and Sanjay Phangso. Although KAAC later suspended the licenses under scrutiny, it failed to cancel them. Two licensees successfully challenged their suspension in the Gauhati High Court, which reinstated them in May 2025.

Borah warned that this deliberate flouting of court directives amounted to sedition and accused Ronghang of endangering Kaziranga’s fragile ecosystem. He also alleged that Ronghang is constructing a ₹200 crore residence in Guwahati, questioning the source of such wealth. “He will be answerable when we form the government in 2026,” Borah said.

The Congress leader further slammed the state government’s April 2025 decision to revoke Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) status across 3,600 sq km surrounding Kaziranga and 10 other protected forests. “This move cleared the path for unchecked illegal mining,” he added.