India News : The Enforcement Directorate (ED) launched a massive crackdown on illegal coal smuggling networks on Friday, conducting simultaneous raids across Jharkhand and West Bengal. The agency targeted more than 40 locations linked to coal mining, transportation, and black-market trading. During the operation, ED recovered a large amount of cash and jewelry from a location in West Bengal.
This major action is part of an ongoing investigation into illegal coal theft and underground trade that has caused a loss of hundreds of crores to the government exchequer. The raids were based on specific intelligence inputs received by ED’s Ranchi and Kolkata zone offices.
Joint Operation Launched Early Friday Morning
The coordinated operation began early in the morning, with teams raiding residences, business premises, storage units, and offices of suspects associated with coal syndicates.
18 Raids Conducted Across Jharkhand
The Ranchi Zonal Office conducted raids at 18 key locations in Jharkhand. These premises are believed to be directly linked to major illegal coal smuggling cases. Those under investigation include coal businessmen such as Anil Goyal, entities linked with Sanjay Udyog, and traders like L.B. Singh, Amar Mandal, and Narendra Kharka.
According to ED officials, this network is responsible for large-scale coal theft and unauthorized trade, causing massive financial loss to the government.
24 Raids in Bengal; Cash & Jewelry Seized
Meanwhile, the Kolkata Zonal Office carried out raids at 24 places in West Bengal. These locations are connected to unlawful coal mining and illegal transportation and storage of coal. The search operations covered Durgapur, Purulia, Howrah, and Kolkata. A significant amount of cash, gold ornaments, and important documents were seized.
Officials say the aim of the operation is to trace the complete money trail and identify all beneficiaries involved in the racket. More large-scale revelations are expected as the investigation progresses.
ED sources added that the raids are part of a financial probe initiated after multiple complaints and previous FIRs related to the coal mafia and revenue leaks in government-owned coal zones.
