West Bengal Illegal Coal Mining Case: ED conducts searches at 10 locations

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) carried out searches at 10 locations across West Bengal on Tuesday in connection with an alleged illegal coal mining and transportation case. Officials said the raids started early in the morning and were still underway at the time of reporting.

The searches are part of an ongoing investigation into suspected illegal coal extraction, transport, and money laundering linked to the trade. According to officials, the case involves large financial losses to the government and possible links between public officials and private individuals.

ED conducts searches across West Bengal

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ED told ANI that the searches were conducted under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The agency is looking into the alleged generation and laundering of money earned from illegal coal mining and transportation in the state

Officials stated that coal was allegedly extracted illegally from mines in West Bengal and transported without proper permission. The money earned from this trade is suspected to have been moved through different channels to hide its source.

The agency believes this illegal activity caused major losses to the government exchequer. The raids are aimed at finding evidence related to financial transactions and property linked to the case.

Who are the people linked to the ED searches in West Bengal?

According to authorities, the search operations were conducted on the premises related to Manoranjan Mondal, O.C., Bengal police, and various others. The names mentioned by officials include Kiran Khan, Sekh Akhtar, Prabir Datta, and Mirza Hesamuddin Baig.

Officials said these individuals are being examined for their alleged roles in the illegal coal mining and transport network. The ED is trying to understand whether there was any connection between public servants and private persons involved in the case.

At this stage, no further details about arrests or seizures have been officially confirmed.

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How did the coal smuggling case first come to light?

The central agencies have monitored the suspected coal smuggling operation that exists in West Bengal for multiple years. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) opened the case when they filed their First Information Report (FIR), which made the case public.

The FIR alleged that criminals conducted extensive coal theft operations that targeted Eastern Coalfields Limited (ECL) mines located in Asansol and its surrounding regions. The ED initiated its own investigation to monitor the proceeds that resulted from the alleged criminal operation.

The ED investigation centres on following the financial pathways that lead to discovering individuals who profited from the unlawful coal business activities.

How was illegal coal allegedly transported?

Investigators earlier claimed that the illegally mined coal was moved using forged documents. Officials believe the transport may have taken place with the help of certain officials and private individuals working together.

The authorities believed that the proceeds from illegal coal sales had been transferred through various bank accounts and financial systems. The criminal organisation behind the operation used this method to mask their financial activities and protect their illegal income from law enforcement.

The Enforcement Directorate currently investigates the expenditures made with these funds to determine whether they financed real estate acquisitions or other types of investments.

What is the ED looking for during these raids?

Officials said the main aim of the searches is to collect proof related to financial dealings and property purchases. The agency is also checking possible links between government officials and private individuals involved in the alleged illegal trade.

During the raids, officers are examining documents, digital devices, and other materials that may help the investigation. These items are expected to provide clues about money movement and ownership of assets.

The investigation is ongoing, and officials said more details may emerge once the searches are completed and the seized materials are fully examined.

With inputs from ANI