Overview

• The Enforcement Directorate conducted early-morning, simultaneous searches across West Bengal as part of a money-laundering investigation linked to illegal sand mining.
• Teams searched offices and properties at Kolkata’s Bentinck Street, Lalgarh and Gopiballavpur in Jhargram, and a businessman's residence in Asansol.
• Officials said a large amount of cash was seized at the Gopiballavpur residence of alleged operator Sheikh Jahirul near the Subarnarekha River.
• The operation also targeted properties of other sand mine owners in Beliaberia and Jamboni, with business and financial records being examined.
• Sources described searches at seven locations statewide, including a focus on Asansol businessman Manish Bagaria, and ED noted central security forces accompanied the teams following a broader September 8 sweep.