ED raids more than 40 locations across Bengal and Jharkhand in coal smuggling case

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) kicks off a major operation since today morning, raiding over 40 locations across Jharkhand and West Bengal to tackle rampant coal theft and illegal mining. This bold move involves more than 100 ED officials and aims to dismantle shady networks known as the 'coal mafia' that have been siphoning off valuable resources and causing huge losses to the country. Teams bursting into warehouses, offices, and homes, hunting for evidence of money laundering tied to these underground operations—it's a high-stakes chase that's got everyone from local miners to top officials on edge.

In Jharkhand, the focus is on about 18 key locations linked to coal smuggling rings run by figures like BCCL contractor and coal businessman L.B. Singh, Anil Goyal, Sanjay Udhyog and Amar Mandal. These searches dig deep into how stolen coal from mines ends up fueling illegal profits, with ED sleuths combing through documents, computers, and hidden stashes to uncover the full web of deceit. Meanwhile in West Bengal, around 24 locations in bustling areas like Durgapur, Purulia, Howrah, and Saltlake are under the spotlight.

ED raids in Saltlake's CJ and AK Block at Plywood Businessman Gopal Jhunjhunwala's premises. As per reports, raids are ongoing at the premises of figures like Narendra Kharka, Yudhistir Ghosh, Krishna Murari Kayal, Chinmayi Mondal, and Rajkishore Yadav, probing everything from unauthorized coal transport to secret storage sites that keep the black market humming. Under the Prevention of Money Laundering (PMLA) Act, these actions could lead to asset freezes and arrests, sending a strong signal that the days of easy money from coal scams are numbered. With both states sharing coal-rich belts, this joint effort underscores a united front against syndicates that exploit natural wealth at the expense of honest workers and the environment.