Overview
- The Enforcement Directorate searched six locations in West Bengal and four in Delhi targeting premises linked to the illegal coal trade and alleged laundering of its proceeds.
- In its statement, the agency said a large share of coal illegally excavated from ECL leasehold areas was supplied to Shakambhari Group’s sponge iron, steel and power units in Bankura, Purulia and Bardhaman.
- Investigators described a layered hawala network, with one operator allegedly routing transactions worth tens of crores, including about Rs 10 crore, to I-PAC.
- The probe stems from a 2020 CBI FIR against alleged coal-smuggling kingpin Anup Majee, after which the ED registered a PMLA case.
- A political dispute unfolded as Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee visited I-PAC-linked premises and alleged targeting, while the ED accused obstruction and said the searches were evidence-based and unrelated to elections.