BJP leader Ragini Singh, wife of former Jharia MLA Sanjeev Singh, on Saturday levelled extortion allegations on sitting Jharia Congress MLA Poornima Singh, who also happens to be her cousin sister- In- law, since the MLA ordered stopping of mining operations by an outsourced coal mining company at Chandmari area of BCCL.

The MLA refuted extortion allegation and said she is fighting for the tribals who have been evicted forcefully without paying any compensation.

Incidentally, Ragini had lost last Assembly elections against Poornima.

Talking to media persons on Saturday Ragini said, Poornima is working on advise of her brother -in-law Harsh who wants to control the area for extortion of money from outsourced mining companies. On same day members of the Janta Mazdoor Sangh  (Kunti faction) that is being looked after Ragini got the work started.

Ragini said, since Poornima become MLA her brothers- in - law has become active and is demanding extortion from coal businessman. It has become a daily phenomenon, alleges Ragini.

The work at Chandmari was forced closed by the Jharia MLA claiming that the land on which the mining company is mining coal belongs to tribal landowners and not to the BCCL.

Poornima said, the matter has been reported to deputy commissioner with requested to get the matter examined and only then allow mining operations.

However, area project manager AK Sharma said, the work was started just as excavation is being done on BCCL owned mines not of the tribal raiyats.