KOLKATA – In a major crackdown on illegal mining syndicates, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted sweeping raids across West Burdwan district in West Bengal on Tuesday. The operations targeted networks involved in sand and coal smuggling, marking a significant escalation in the agency’s probe into black market activities plaguing the region’s resources.
ED teams, backed by Central Armed Police Forces, descended on Nabagram early morning, combing through locations linked to unauthorized coal extraction from Eastern Coalfields Limited (ECL). Sources indicate around 25-30 officers are meticulously searching premises, focusing on evidence of large-scale pilferage and illicit trade.
Simultaneously, raids hit Durgapur and Pandaveshwar areas. In Durgapur, investigators zeroed in on a notorious sand mafioso’s lavish residence. This kingpin, previously based in Panagarh, shifted to a sprawling new home two years ago and recently returned from Dubai, fueling suspicions of international connections.
Entry to the property was initially resisted, but with central forces’ intervention, ED personnel forced their way in. The team also raided the suspect’s brother’s home, probing the full extent of the family’s involvement in sand extraction rackets.
The current searches stem from leads obtained during January 8 raids on Indian Political Action Committee (I-PAC) chief Prateek Jain’s premises. Those operations sparked political controversy, with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee alleging political motivations and rushing to secure documents.
While no official seizures have been disclosed yet, the ED is determined to dismantle these networks that undermine India’s mineral resources. This action underscores the agency’s commitment to curbing economic offenses amid rising concerns over illegal mining’s environmental and fiscal impacts.