In a significant crackdown on illegal coal mining operations, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has uncovered a massive financial network operating across Jharkhand and West Bengal. The federal investigation agency seized over Rs 14 crore in cash and gold during coordinated raids targeting alleged coal mafia members.
Massive Financial Haul Uncovered
The Enforcement Directorate conducted extensive search operations at 18 locations across two states between December 6 and December 8. The targeted premises included properties linked to suspected coal smugglers and illegal mining operators in Jharkhand's Sahibganj, Barharwa, and Rajmahal areas, as well as locations in West Bengal's Howrah and Kolkata.
According to official statements, the seized assets include Rs 13.32 crore in cash and gold jewelry valued at Rs 1.35 crore. The total recovery amounts to approximately Rs 14.67 crore, exposing the enormous scale of financial transactions within the illegal coal mining network.
Money Laundering Investigation Expands
The current raids are part of a broader money laundering investigation stemming from multiple FIRs filed by the Jharkhand Police. These cases specifically target illegal coal mining and theft from Eastern Coalfields Limited mines in the Kunustoria and Kajora regions.
Enforcement Directorate officials revealed that their investigation has uncovered a sophisticated network where proceeds from illegal coal mining were being systematically laundered through various channels. The massive cash and gold seizures provide concrete evidence of the substantial profits generated by these unlawful operations.
Ongoing Investigation and Future Actions
The ED has confirmed that their money laundering probe continues to develop, with investigators following multiple financial trails. The agency is examining documents and digital evidence seized during the raids to identify additional assets and uncover the complete network of individuals involved in the illegal operations.
This enforcement action represents one of the significant crackdowns on coal mafia operations in recent times, highlighting the continued prevalence of illegal mining activities in the region. The substantial financial haul underscores the economic impact of such operations on both the legal coal industry and government revenues.
Authorities have indicated that further investigations may lead to additional seizures and potential arrests as they work to dismantle the entire network responsible for the illegal coal mining and money laundering activities.
