ED Raids 18 Jharkhand Locations in Coal Smuggling Crackdown Linked to BCCL Contractor

New Delhi, Nov 21 ; In a major crackdown on Friday, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) carried out raids at 18 locations in Dhanbad, Jharkhand, as part of its investigation into the coal smuggling and money laundering case linked to well known BCCL contractor L. B. Singh.

The searches were conducted at Singh’s upscale residence, Dev Villa, and several premises associated with his firm, Dev Prabha Company, which manages outsourcing work for Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL). The ED also raided the offices and homes of two other coal traders suspected to be connected to financial irregularities.

According to sources, the action stems from ongoing probes into irregular tenders, unaccounted cash transactions, and possible black-market coal operations. The agency is examining whether funds generated through illegal coal activities were laundered through shell companies and benami transactions.

During the early-morning raids, ED officials seized documents, digital storage devices, financial ledgers, and other material believed to be crucial for the investigation. The coordinated operation caused considerable unease in the area, with a heavy presence of enforcement personnel reported around Singh’s residences and associated business sites.

Officials have been monitoring Singh and Dev Prabha Company for months over alleged violations in BCCL outsourcing contracts and suspicious fund transfers. The inclusion of additional coal traders in Friday’s operation indicates that the ED is exploring a wider network of potential money laundering tied to coal operations in the region.

While the ED has not yet announced any arrests, sources suggest that the agency may initiate further action based on the evidence collected. Local police were deployed to ensure smooth execution of the searches and maintain law-and-order during the raids.