Jharkhand, Bengal Targeted in ED Raids Linked to Coal Theft Case
Over 40 locations targeted under PMLA as agency cracks down on alleged coal pilferage networks causing massive losses to the exchequer.
NEW DELHI, Nov 21: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Friday conducted a nationwide crackdown targeting alleged coal pilferage networks, carrying out coordinated raids at more than 40 locations across Jharkhand and West Bengal. The operations form part of an ongoing investigation into illegal mining, transportation, and storage of coal, a racket reportedly causing losses of hundreds of crores to the exchequer. The action is being taken under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
In Dhanbad, the ED focused on coal trader LB Singh, conducting early morning raids at 16 premises linked to him, including sites in the Dev Bila area. Officers reportedly faced resistance when Singh allegedly released his pet dogs to block entry while remaining inside his residence.
Parallel searches were carried out across Jharkhand, with ED’s Ranchi zonal office inspecting 18 locations connected to multiple ongoing investigations involving Anil Goyal, Sanjay Udhyog, LB Singh, and Amar Mandal. Officials said the cases collectively reveal extensive coal theft and smuggling operations.
In West Bengal, ED Kolkata carried out raids at 24 premises across Durgapur, Purulia, Howrah, and Kolkata. Properties linked to Narendra Kharka, Anil Goyal, Yudhistir Ghosh, Krishna Murari Kayal, and others were examined as part of the probe.
Officials described the operation as a concerted effort to dismantle entrenched coal mafias operating across state lines, map financial flows, and secure evidence tied to long-running extraction and transport rackets.
