ED Raids 42 Coal Theft Premises Across Bengal and Jharkhand, Seizes Cash, Gold
ED Raids 42 Coal Theft Premises Across Bengal and Jharkhand, Seizes Cash, Gold
Coordinated searches in West Bengal and Jharkhand target coal theft networks, with crores seized and investigations widening under PMLA.
The Enforcement Directorate conducted coordinated searches at more than 40 locations in West Bengal and Jharkhand as part of a money laundering probe into coal theft, illegal mining, and smuggling operations. The operation involved over 100 ED officials and staff, who swooped on multiple premises in both states in what officials described as a crackdown on the so-called coal mafia.
So far, the agency has seized cash and precious metals totalling over ₹10 crore, with West Bengal accounting for the bulk of the seizures — more than ₹8 crore in cash and gold or jewellery — and Jharkhand reporting about ₹2.20 crore in cash along with land deeds. In Jharkhand, 18 locations linked to major coal theft and smuggling cases were covered, while in West Bengal, around 24 sites were searched, including areas in Durgapur, Purulia, Howrah, and Kolkata districts.
The operation is part of a broader fight against illegal coal mining, pilferage, and transportation that authorities say drains government revenue and fuels illicit networks. By leveraging provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, investigators aim to trace proceeds and disrupt the financial backbone of these activities.
While law enforcement officials have not publicly disclosed arrests as of yet, the scale of the raid signals a renewed push to curb coal-related crime in the two states. Officials stressed that the inquiries would continue as the ED collates documentary evidence, financial records, and asset disclosures to map the extent of the networks involved and to determine the precise illegal pathways and beneficiaries.
The crackdown underscores the ongoing tensions between energy demand, regional mining interests, and regulatory enforcement, with communities watching closely as the ED’s investigations unfold and potential charges loom for those tied to the coal theft and money laundering cases.
Cover image source: ED conducts searches in Jharkhand, West Bengal amid crackdown on ‘coal mafia’ 🔗
