ED’s Biggest Crackdown in Coal Scam: Raids on Jharkhand Businessman LB Singh and Multiple Locations in West Bengal

In a major action under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Friday launched coordinated raids across Jharkhand and West Bengal in connection with an ongoing coal scam probe. According to official sources, the agency is conducting searches at more than 40 locations linked to coal mafia operations and suspected money laundering networks.

Raids Target Big Coal Operator in Jharkhand

The ED initiated a large-scale search operation at the residence and business establishments of Dhanbad-based coal trader LB Singh. Raids were conducted simultaneously at 16 locations, including the Dev Bila area and several other premises allegedly linked to Singh’s coal businesses.

Teams of ED officials are scanning important documents, digital records, and financial transactions to trace illegal profits generated through coal theft and illegal mining.

Names of Several Key Accused Emerge

This operation forms part of a wider investigation into coal theft, pilferage, and illegal transportation networks allegedly involving major players such as Anil Goyal, Sanjay Udyog, LB Singh, and Amar Mandal.

The cumulative scale of illegal coal extraction and smuggling is believed to have caused hundreds of crores worth of revenue loss to the government.

Parallel Raids Across West Bengal

Alongside Jharkhand, the ED also conducted extensive raids in West Bengal. Searches were carried out at 24 locations across Durgapur, Purulia, Howrah, and Kolkata, targeting individuals accused in illegal coal mining and transportation, including Narendra Kharka, Anil Goyal, Yudhishthir Ghosh, Krishna Murari Kayal, and others.

Officials described the action as a coordinated strike against a powerful coal mafia nexus operating across state borders.

More Revelations Expected Soon

Sources indicate that key evidence has been seized during the searches, and the agency is likely to summon several individuals for questioning. The investigation is expected to unfold several major financial trails and political links in the coming days.

Inputs: IANS