A special CBI court here on Tuesday remanded four persons arrested in connection with alleged theft of coal worth hundreds of crores of rupees into the central agency’s custody.

The four were Narendra Kharka alias Narayan Nanda of Durgapur, Joydeb Mandal of Asansol, Nirad Baran Mandal of Bankura and Gurupada Maji of Shaturi in Purulia. They were accused of working as associates of Anup Maji, the prime accused in the multi crore coal smuggling scam.

CBI counsel Rakesh Kumar told the court that the four persons were hiding information during interrogations whenever they had been summoned by the sleuths.

“These four persons are closely attached to Anup Maji, the prime accused in the case. We need to take them into custody for further and proper information. They are hiding information and not cooperating with the investigating officials,” said Kumar.

Judge Joysree Bandopadhyay later granted to the CBI remand of Joydeb Mandal till October 1 and the other three accused persons till October 4.

A large police contingent was posted at the court compound.