The Enforcement Directorate (ED) executed a series of coordinated raids on Tuesday in multiple locations across West Bengal and Delhi, intensifying its money laundering probe into the alleged multi-crore coal smuggling scandal. According to ED sources, the operations commenced around 6:30 am, focusing on scrutinizing financial transactions linked to the illicit coal trade.
Targeted Locations and Individuals
In Asansol, the search began at the residence of businessman Ramesh Bansal in the Punjabi More area near Jamuria Bazar, as well as at the houses of his two sons, Sumit Bansal and Amit Bansal. ED officials also raided a hardware shop and a warehouse at Punjabi More in Jamuria, and a shop named Bansal Hardware in the Jamuria Hattala area. Additionally, investigators targeted the house of Manoranjan Mondal, the Officer-in-Charge of Budbud Police Station, at Durgapur City Centre, where he is currently being questioned.
Expansive Search Operations
Searches are also underway at addresses in Navgram, Pandaveshwar, and Durgapur, with central forces cordoning off the areas to facilitate the ED's examination of documents and other materials. However, no official statement has been issued by the ED regarding the outcomes of these raids, leaving the details of seized evidence undisclosed.
Background and Political Context
The ED's case originates from a November 2020 FIR filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which alleged a massive coal pilferage scam involving Eastern Coalfields mines in the Kunustoria and Kajora areas of Asansol. Local coal operator Anup Majhi, alias Lala, is identified as the prime suspect. This investigation has previously implicated high-profile figures, including Trinamool Congress MP Abhishek Banerjee, whom the ED claims benefited from funds derived from the illegal coal trade.
Recent Escalations and Legal Battles
On January 8, the ED conducted searches at the office of I-PAC and the residence of its chairman, Pratik Jain, leading to a confrontation with West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. She allegedly seized a laptop, documents, and hard disks, accusing the BJP of misusing central agencies to obtain sensitive political documents. In response, the ED accused Banerjee and other top police officials of obstructing the investigation, threatening officers, and forcibly taking investigative materials. The matter has escalated to the courts, with the ED moving the Calcutta High Court to retrieve the documents and devices, and the case is now pending in the Supreme Court.
These raids underscore the ongoing complexities and political tensions surrounding the coal scam probe, as authorities delve deeper into the financial networks and alleged corruption involved.
