The ED search operations illegal coal mining crackdown expanded on Thursday as the Enforcement Directorate carried out large-scale raids in Jharkhand and West Bengal. The agency launched the action at around 6 AM, targeting major coal theft networks. The ED search operations illegal coal mining case involves huge financial losses running into hundreds of crores.
More than one hundred ED officials are involved in the massive operation. They are searching over 40 locations linked to the coal mafia. The aim is to uncover money laundering routes, illegal coal transportation, and storage networks.
In West Bengal, ED Kolkata teams are inspecting 24 premises across Durgapur, Purulia, Howrah, and Kolkata. Meanwhile, ED Ranchi teams are holding searches at 18 different places in Jharkhand. These spots are connected to several key cases of coal smuggling and theft.
The illegal coal trade has caused a major loss to the government. Therefore, the agency is focusing on breaking the full chain, including suppliers, transporters, and financial handlers. Officials expect more documents, digital records, and evidence to emerge from the raids.
The operation is likely to continue as the ED tracks the wider network behind the illegal mining activities.
