In a major escalation against alleged corruption networks, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) launched coordinated raids across West Bengal and Delhi on Thursday. The operations targeted a sprawling syndicate accused of coal smuggling and hawala transactions worth crores.
Sources indicate the probe stems from intelligence on illegal coal transportation from eastern coalfields to unauthorized destinations. Key figures linked to the racket allegedly used hawala channels to launder proceeds, evading taxes and regulatory oversight.
Among the locations raided were premises in Kolkata, Asansol, and the national capital. ED teams seized documents, digital devices, and cash during the searches. Officials suspect involvement of local traders, transporters, and possibly political functionaries.
A shocking allegation has surfaced: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee stands accused of obstructing the investigation. Reports claim her government issued directives to state agencies to hinder ED’s access to vital records and witnesses. This development has intensified political friction between the Centre and the Trinamool Congress (TMC) regime.
The raids mark the latest chapter in ED’s crackdown on economic offenses in the coal-rich state. Previous probes have uncovered similar scams involving pilfered coal sold in black markets. Investigators are now piecing together a money trail that could implicate high-profile names.
As the searches continue, opposition parties have demanded a thorough whitewash-free inquiry. Mamata Banerjee dismissed the raids as ‘vendetta politics,’ urging her supporters to remain vigilant. The coming days will reveal if these actions unearth a deeper nexus of crime and influence.