ED Summons Six Coal Traders in Kolkata Over Illegal Mining Probe
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has taken significant action in its ongoing investigation into illegal coal mining activities in West Bengal. On Tuesday, the central agency issued formal summons to six coal traders based in Kolkata. These individuals are allegedly connected to a widespread coal smuggling network that has been operating across multiple states.
Targeted Individuals with Prior Agency Scrutiny
At least three of the six traders receiving ED summons have already been under surveillance by central investigative agencies. Their names have surfaced in connection with a multi-state coal smuggling racket that authorities have been dismantling piece by piece.
This latest development follows closely on the heels of another ED operation. Just five days earlier, agency officials conducted searches at the Salt Lake office of I-PAC (Indian Political Action Committee). They also searched the Loudon Street residence of one of I-PAC's directors. These searches related specifically to a coal-scam case dating back to 2020.
Specific Cases and Connections
One of the summoned individuals is Narendra Kharka, a resident of Salt Lake in Kolkata. Kharka's name first emerged during a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the 2023 murder of Raju Jha. Jha was known as a coal mafioso operating in the Saktigarh area. The ED has now formally called Kharka for questioning.
Another businessman, Krishna Murari Kayal, has also received an ED summons. Kayal maintains a residence at Silver Spring Housing near EM Bypass in Kolkata. The agency has directed him to appear before investigators as part of their expanding probe.
The ED notice also reached Nirad Baran Mandal, a businessman already under agency scrutiny for his alleged involvement in a separate coal scam in Jharkhand. Both Kharka and Mandal faced arrest by the CBI back in 2021 in connection with coal-related irregularities. Mandal's name additionally appears in a CBI charge sheet filed in 2022, indicating prolonged legal attention.
Broader Implications of the Investigation
These coordinated actions by the ED suggest a systematic effort to unravel complex coal smuggling networks. The agency appears to be connecting dots between different cases and geographical areas. Their investigation spans from West Bengal to Jharkhand, targeting individuals allegedly profiting from illegal mining and transportation of coal.
The timing of these summons, coming so soon after the I-PAC office searches, indicates the probe is gaining momentum. Authorities seem focused on both the operational and financial aspects of these alleged smuggling operations. Each summoned individual will need to provide explanations and documentation to ED officials in the coming days.
This case continues to highlight the challenges of regulating natural resource extraction and distribution in the region. It also underscores the persistent efforts by central agencies to combat organized illegal activities in the coal sector.
