A major investigation into a sprawling coal theft and money laundering syndicate in West Bengal has taken a dramatic political turn, with the Enforcement Directorate (ED) alleging that a portion of the illicit funds was used to finance the election management company I-PAC. The agency claims Rs 20 crore from the alleged scam was transferred to support I-PAC's operations in Goa during the 2021-2022 period.
The Anatomy of a Multi-Crore Coal Scam
According to First Information Reports (FIRs) filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the ED, the case revolves around the alleged theft and illegal excavation of coal from leasehold areas of the Eastern Coalfield Limited (ECL) in West Bengal. The ED traces the origins of its money laundering probe to a CBI FIR registered in 2020.
Investigations suggest a well-organized syndicate, allegedly led by kingpin Anup Majee (alias Lala), operated with the "active connivance" of state government officials, local police, Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel, and private entities. The modus operandi involved stealing coal, selling it to factories across Bankura, Bardhaman, and Purulia districts, and collecting cash payments.
This cash was allegedly funneled to a central hub known as "Bhamuria Number 1," where digital ledgers were maintained by Majee's accountant, Niraj Singh. The ED, in a petition before the Calcutta High Court, stated that scrutiny of seized digital evidence revealed Proceeds of Crime (POC) amounting to a staggering Rs 2,742.32 crores were generated between December 2017 and October 2020.
The Alleged Money Trail to I-PAC
The ED's petition makes a direct link between this vast sum and political consultancy. The agency alleges that around Rs 20 crore of the POC was transferred from Kolkata to Goa through a complex hawala network involving a firm called 'R Kanti Lal' to bankroll I-PAC's activities in Goa.
The detailed money trail outlined by the ED moves from Jitender Mehta, a financier and former director of Akasa Finance Limited, through hawala operators Mukesh Thakkar (alias Munna) and Mukesh Patel of Rajesh Maganlal firm, finally reaching Alpesh Patel, manager of R. Kantilal. In Goa, the funds were allegedly handled by Sagar Kumar Patel and delivered to Akshay Kumar, an employee of firms named M/s Hertz and Pixelz and M/s ASM Event Technology Private Limited.
The ED contends these firms were hired by I-PAC for event management. The petition further states, "Pratik Jain, Co-founder and Director of IPAC, has handled IPAC operations in Goa, where these funds were utilised." Pratik Jain is now under investigation by the agency.
Political Fallout and Key Accusations
The case escalated into a full-blown political controversy on January 8, 2026, when the ED conducted simultaneous raids at six locations in West Bengal and four in Delhi connected to I-PAC. The aftermath saw West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee leading a protest rally and even visiting the I-PAC office and Pratik Jain's residence while searches were underway.
This move prompted the ED to seek a CBI probe against Chief Minister Banerjee for her actions. The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has filed a plea seeking the return of articles seized during the raids.
The political slugfest intensified on social media. The BJP accused the Chief Minister of obstructing due process, while the Opposition, including Congress and Samajwadi Party leaders, labeled the raids as a politically motivated weaponization of central agencies ahead of elections.
Beyond the I-PAC link, central agencies have arrested several individuals. The key accused, Anup Majee, is alleged to have sourced the funds. Former Bankura police inspector Ashok Kumar Mishra, arrested in April 2021, is accused of facilitating the safe passage of trucks and cash under police protection. The ED claims Mishra stated transactions were made at the behest of Vinay Mishra, an alleged associate of TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee. The alleged involvement of eight senior ECL managers has also been uncovered.
Current Legal Status
The case is being prosecuted under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, along with Indian Penal Code sections for criminal conspiracy and criminal breach of trust. The CBI has filed a main chargesheet in July 2022 and two supplementary chargesheets in 2023 and 2024, naming dozens. The ED has also filed its prosecution complaint. The case is currently at the pre-charge argument stage in court, setting the stage for a protracted legal and political battle that intertwines alleged financial crime with the high-stakes arena of election campaigning.
