ED summons former OC, 5 others in coal scam probe; 12 businessmen under scanner

The Enforcement Directorate has summoned former Budbud Police Station officer-in-charge Monoranjan Mondal in connection with the ongoing coal smuggling investigation in West Bengal. Along with Mondal, several businessmen linked to the case have also been called for questioning. Investigators are reportedly monitoring nearly 12 businessmen as part of the probe into alleged illegal coal mining, smuggling and money laundering activities.

Among those summoned are Krishna Koyal, Ritesh Singh, Lokesh Singh, Yudhishthi Ghosh and Narendra Kharka. All of them have been directed to appear before ED officials at the CGO Complex in Kolkata next week. According to sources, investigators are examining alleged financial transactions and operational links connected to the coal smuggling network operating in different parts of the state.

Monoranjan Mondal, who earlier served as the officer-in-charge of Budge Budge Police Station, had previously been summoned multiple times by the Enforcement Directorate in connection with the same case. However, he allegedly did not appear before the agency despite repeated notices. Last year, ED officials reportedly pasted notices outside his residence in Durgapur after he failed to respond to the summons issued by investigators.

Serious allegations had earlier surfaced against Mondal regarding alleged acceptance of “protection money” linked to illegal coal transportation and smuggling operations. Investigators claim he allegedly provided protection and operational support to coal mafias in exchange for large payments. Earlier on April 15, the ED had provisionally attached assets worth ₹159.51 crore under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act in connection with illegal coal mining and theft in areas under Eastern Coalfields Limited. So far, the agency has attached assets worth ₹482.22 crore in the wider coal smuggling investigation, which was first probed by the Central Bureau of Investigation in 2020 after allegations of coal theft from multiple railway sidings emerged.