Coal smuggling case: Cash, assets worth Rs 10 crore seized in ED raids at West Bengal, Jharkhand

Kolkata- The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has seized assets valued at nearly Rs 10 crore during widespread raids across West Bengal and Jharkhand in connection with the coal smuggling case.

Sources revealed that the seizures include over Rs 3 crore in cash and more than Rs 6 crore worth of gold in the form of jewellery and bars.

The agency carried out coordinated search operations at 24 locations in West Bengal and several sites in Jharkhand, following complaints of corruption and irregularities linked to coal export-related financial transactions.

In West Bengal, raids were conducted at the office and residence of a prominent contractor associated with Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL) in Asansol’s coal belt. Homes of three businessmen connected to the coal trade were also searched—two in Salt Lake near Kolkata and one in Salap Crossing in Howrah district.

Large quantities of unaccounted cash and gold were recovered from three locations in West Bengal, although the ED has not yet revealed the exact spots. Raids were also conducted in Purulia district.

Both the ED and the CBI are probing the multi-crore coal smuggling case. The CBI recently informed the court that its investigation is nearing completion. The ED’s latest action follows closely after this update.

With inputs from IANS