Kolkata, Jan 13 (NationPress) The Calcutta High Court has granted bail to Vikas Mishra, a key figure in the extensive coal smuggling scandal in West Bengal, concerning a POCSO-related allegation.

His brother, Vinay Mishra, a former youth leader of the Trinamool Congress, is also implicated in the coal smuggling case and is currently on the run, reportedly having sought refuge in the Vanuatu Islands after renouncing his Indian citizenship.

The POCSO case against Vikas was initiated following a complaint lodged by Vinay's spouse, leading to his earlier arrest by the Kolkata Police.

Vikas subsequently petitioned the Calcutta High Court for bail in this POCSO matter.

During a hearing on Monday, the division bench consisting of Justice Arijit Bandopadhyay and Justice Apurba Sinha Roy examined the case.

His attorney contended, 'This is merely a case of familial conflict, where my client has been wrongfully accused. The arrest was made following a complaint at the Kalighat Police Station, yet the police have not presented any conclusive evidence against my client.'

On December 10 of the previous year, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) concluded the charge framing process in the West Bengal coal smuggling case at a special court in Asansol, located in the West Burdwan district.

Among the 49 individuals facing charges are high-ranking officials from Eastern Coalfields Limited, a subsidiary of Coal India Limited.

Arup Majhi, also known as Lala, another major suspect in the case, is currently out on bail.

In addition to the CBI, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) is simultaneously investigating the coal smuggling scandal.