ED launches massive raids on coal mafia across Jharkhand and Bengal

In one of the largest operations against illegal coal networks in recent years, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Friday launched a sweeping crackdown targeting suspected coal mafia links across Jharkhand and West Bengal. Acting on specific intelligence inputs, simultaneous raids were carried out at more than 40 locations, signalling a decisive push against long-running coal theft and smuggling operations in the region.

According to officials, ED teams from the Ranchi and Kolkata zonal offices began search operations early Friday morning. The raids are being conducted in close coordination with the state police, covering residences, offices and other premises linked to the suspects.

Jharkhand Operations

The ED’s Ranchi zonal office is raiding 18 locations linked to multiple major cases of coal smuggling and pilferage. The focus is on individuals identified as Anil Goyal, Sanjay Udhyog, LB Singh and Amar Mandal. Officials said the scale of the suspected theft and financial misconduct runs into hundreds of crores, causing heavy losses to the government.

Premises connected to Narendra Kharka, Anil Goyal, Yudhistir Ghosh and Krishna Murari Kayal are also under the scanner.

West Bengal Operations

Simultaneously, the Kolkata zonal office is searching 24 sites across Durgapur, Purulia, Howrah and Kolkata. These raids are linked to ongoing investigations into illegal coal mining, transportation and storage. The action aims to dismantle a widespread network accused of siphoning off coal and manipulating supply chains.

Officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that this is a coordinated enforcement action aimed at disrupting the entire chain of coal smuggling operations across both states.

With searches still underway, more details are expected to emerge as the investigation progresses. The ED is focusing on financial trails, property documents, digital records and suspected money laundering routes linked to coal smugglers.

This operation marks a critical step in targeting organised coal theft, a problem that has long plagued the eastern coal belts of India. Further action and possible arrests are expected following the raids.