The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has launched a major crackdown on illegal coal operations, conducting extensive raids across Jharkhand and West Bengal. The searches began early Friday morning and reportedly covered more than 40 locations linked to traders, transporters, contractors, and businessmen suspected of involvement in large-scale coal theft and money laundering.
In Jharkhand, the operation was carried out primarily through the ED’s Ranchi office, which searched multiple premises linked to individuals suspected of running or financing illegal coal networks. Officials collected financial documents, digital records, and transaction details believed to be associated with the movement and sale of unlawfully mined coal. Several prominent names have come under scrutiny as the agency examines how vast amounts of coal were allegedly diverted and sold through unofficial channels.
Simultaneously, another team of ED officers conducted raids across West Bengal, covering areas such as Durgapur, Kolkata, Purulia, and Howrah. Several properties linked to coal traders and mining middlemen were searched. The agency is also investigating alleged illegal toll booths and transport routes used to move coal without proper documentation. During the operation, officers reportedly recovered unaccounted cash, jewellery, and documents that may help trace the flow of funds.
Authorities say the illegal coal trade has caused massive financial losses to the government over the years, with estimates running into hundreds of crores. The ED believes that the smuggling racket is supported by an organized network that spans multiple states, allowing unregistered coal to be extracted, transported, and sold while bypassing regulatory systems and tax frameworks. The ongoing probe aims to track the money trail, identify those receiving financial benefits, and determine whether the profits were laundered through shell companies or front businesses.
More than 100 officials were deployed across both states as part of the coordinated action, with local police assisting in logistics and security. The operation is part of a wider effort by federal agencies to dismantle illegal mining networks that have flourished in coal-rich regions for years. Authorities expect more names to surface as recovered documents are analyzed and digital evidence is processed.
The raids have sparked political attention, especially since mining-related corruption has historically been a sensitive issue in both states. With major political and business interests often linked to resource extraction, the investigation is expected to have broader implications. The ED may soon initiate property attachments, arrest suspects, or open additional criminal cases under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act based on the evidence gathered.
For now, the raids mark a significant step in the government’s effort to curb illegal coal activities and disrupt the financial structures supporting these networks. Further developments are expected as the investigation progresses.