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4w ago

ED Raids Over 20 Sites in Bengal Sand-Smuggling Probe, Uncovers Permit and QR-Code Fraud

Investigators outline a QR‑code–permit forgery scheme driving a racket worth hundreds of crores.

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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)

Overview

  • Search teams swept Kolkata, Jhargram, Nadia and West Midnapore, including offices linked to G.D. Mining and homes of traders tied to the network.
  • Officials reported cash seizures across multiple locations, including about ₹65 lakh from trader Sourav Roy and roughly ₹25–26 lakh from Sheikh Zahirul Ali, alongside documents and electronics.
  • ED sources say the operation exposed duplicate truck registration use, forged permits and manipulated QR codes to move illegally mined sand beyond authorised limits.
  • The probe is tracing money flows through seized bank accounts, with investigators examining insurance investments and the alleged role of insurance agent Sanjeev Boyd in hawala diversions.
  • Central forces escorted ED teams during the coordinated raids, while BJP leaders alleged TMC links and the TMC accused the Centre’s agencies of politically timed action ahead of state polls.