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12h ago

ED Raids 22 Sites Across West Bengal in Illegal Sand-Mining Probe

Investigators aim to map suspected laundering routes from the sand trade into insurance companies as well as other ventures.

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Illegal mining of sand and river bed material, which comprises boulders, gravel and sand, are rampant across several districts in both south Bengal and north Bengal. (PTI/Representative Image)
Teams are searching multiple locations in Kolkata and in some districts. (@dir_ed)

Overview

  • Simultaneous searches began at 6 a.m. across the Kolkata area, including Behala’s James Long Sarani, Regent Park, Bidhannagar/Salt Lake Sector 5, and Kalyani.
  • Teams also targeted Jhargram, searching a residence in Gopiballavpur near the Subarnarekha River and properties linked to other sand mine owners in Beliaberia and Jamboni.
  • A key focus of the operation is Sheikh Jahirul, with searches at his residence, office, and vehicles as part of the crackdown on the alleged network.
  • Central security forces accompanied ED officials and cordoned off search sites during the operation.
  • Officials are seizing and examining business ledgers, financial documents, and records to track alleged illicit proceeds and their movement through companies.