ED Raids 12 Locations in West Burdwan Coal Smuggling Case, Seizes Large Cash
Kolkata: On Tuesday, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted raids at around 12 locations in West Burdwan, West Bengal, in connection with a coal smuggling scam and alleged money laundering. Some of the properties raided belonged to a police officer and businessmen, and a significant amount of cash was seized from one of the sites.
Around 6 AM, three ED teams, accompanied by central forces, reached the industrial area of the district and began the operations. The police officer whose residence was raided is a member of the state police’s Entertainment Division and serves as the Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Budbud Police Station under the Asansol-Durgapur Police Commissionerate. An ED team visited his home in the Durgapur City Center area to question him about illegal activities.
The officer had recently assumed charge of the police station just a few days ago. He had previously been suspended in November 2024 for several misconducts, including celebrating the birthday of a Trinamool Congress leader while serving as OC at Baraboni Police Station.
Additionally, searches were carried out at the homes of businessman Prabir Dutta in Sepco Township, businessman Rajesh Bansal in Jamudiya, and coal trader Manul Shah in Nabgram, Pandaveshwar. ED officials also questioned the owners regarding their involvement.
In the afternoon, after approximately ₹1 crore in cash was seized, Bansal’s home was visited by bank officials to count the currency. Raids were also conducted at the homes of Bansal’s two sons, Amit and Sumit, as well as at businessman Kiran Khan’s residence in Raniganj.
