ED Raids 18 Sites in Jharkhand in Coal Smuggling Probe Linked to BCCL Contractor

New Delhi — The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Friday carried out searches at 18 locations in Dhanbad, Jharkhand, as part of its investigation into a coal smuggling case allegedly involving prominent BCCL contractor L. B. Singh.

The raids were triggered by suspected money laundering activities and possible irregularities in outsourcing contracts related to coal operations.

ED officials searched Singh’s residence, Dev Villa, along with multiple premises of his firm, Dev Prabha Company, which handles outsourcing work for Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL). The homes and offices of two additional coal traders were also searched for their suspected links to the illegal activities.

Sources said the agency seized key documents, digital data, and financial records that may aid the investigation into irregular tenders, unaccounted cash flows, and suspected black-market coal dealings.

The coordinated operation, conducted in the early morning hours, caused considerable activity across Dhanbad as several ED teams launched simultaneous searches. Locals reported a heavy deployment of ED personnel and supporting security forces around Singh’s properties.

The agency has been tracking Singh and his company for months for suspected violations in outsourcing contract allocations and suspicious financial transfers connected to BCCL operations. The involvement of other coal traders points to a potentially wider network of financial misconduct.

No arrests have been announced so far. Officials indicated that further action will be based on the evidence recovered during the raids. Local police ensured security and smooth conduct of the operation.

With inputs from IANS