Dhanbad/Kolkata: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) carried out a large-scale, coordinated raid across Jharkhand and West Bengal targeting irregularities in BCCL tenders, illegal coal trade, and money laundering. The operation, conducted early Friday morning, spanned 42 locations—18 in Jharkhand (Dhanbad and Dumka) and 24 in West Bengal.
Major Seizures in Jharkhand
In Jharkhand, ED teams raided the residences and offices of several prominent coal traders and businessmen, including LB Singh, Kumbhnath Singh, Sanjay Khemka, Anil Goyal, and Deepak Poddar. The raids led to the seizure of ₹2.2 crore in cash and 120 land deeds, along with digital devices and documents relevant to ongoing investigations. Dumka-based businessman Amar Mandal, involved in coal, stone, and sand operations, was also targeted, with multiple digital and paper records confiscated.
Coordinated Action in West Bengal
In West Bengal, the ED seized a total of ₹8 crore in cash and jewelry. The raids covered multiple cities, including Durgapur, Purulia, Howrah, Kolkata, Chirkunda, Maithon, and Pandeshwar. Offices of a syndicate issuing permits for illegal coal transport were also raided, resulting in the seizure of cash, documents, and evidence linking them to illicit coal operations. Key locations raided included the offices and residences of Narayan Khadka, Parvez Siddiqui, Yudhishthir Ghosh, Vinod Mahto, Shashi Yadav, and others.
Focus on Coal Irregularities and Money Laundering
The ED has been investigating these individuals and networks for the past eight months, uncovering evidence of irregular tenders, illegal coal extraction, illicit transport, and money laundering. Complaints regarding these activities had earlier been filed with the Ministry of Coal.
Implications for the Coal Mafia Network
Investigators believe that the raids could also expose political and corporate linkages that have historically facilitated the illegal coal trade in the region. The operations aim to dismantle entrenched coal smuggling networks that have generated significant illicit wealth and influenced regional politics.
The ED has emphasized that the investigation will continue in-depth, with further legal action expected against all those found complicit in the illegal activities.
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