ED Intensifies Crackdown on Illegal Coal Mining in West Bengal

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has launched extensive raids in West Bengal targeting illegal coal mining operations. This initiative is part of a broader investigation into money laundering linked to the coal sector. The agency is focusing on various premises, including those associated with state police officer Manohar Mandal, and has also targeted several other suspects. Allegations suggest that millions were earned through illegal mining and laundered to appear legitimate, causing significant losses to the state treasury. This crackdown highlights the ongoing efforts to combat corruption and illegal activities in the region.

By Narendra Chaudhary Feb 3, 2026, 11:38 IST

ED Launches Operations Against Illegal Coal Mining in West Bengal

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has ramped up its efforts regarding the illegal coal mining case in West Bengal. Since Tuesday morning, the central agency has been conducting raids across various locations in the state. The ED has initiated significant actions related to a money laundering case tied to the alleged illegal mining and transportation of coal. Teams from the ED are searching around ten different premises in the state under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). According to officials, the focus of these raids is on state police officer Manohar Mandal. In addition to the premises linked to Mandal, searches are also being carried out at the residences of several other suspects associated with this syndicate.

Raids Conducted in Connection with Illegal Coal Mining and Transportation

Officials have reported that searches are being conducted at approximately ten locations, including those associated with state police officer Manohar Mandal, under the PMLA. This investigation is separate from another alleged coal scam currently being examined by the federal agency, which involved a raid last month at the premises of the political consulting firm 'I-PAC' in Kolkata. The homes of several individuals, including Kiran Khan, Sheikh Akhtar, Prabir Dutta, and Mirza H. Beg, are also under scrutiny.

Key Allegations in the Case

The investigative agency suspects that millions of rupees were earned through illegal coal mining, which was then laundered to make it appear legitimate. The illegal transportation of coal was allegedly facilitated by collusion between police officials and local influential figures, resulting in significant losses to the government treasury.