Mail News Service
Dhanbad , Dec 12: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Friday carried out coordinated raids at the residences and offices of at least three prominent coal traders in Dhanbad, intensifying its probe into alleged money laundering, tax evasion, and illicit financial networks linked to the coal industry.
The agency launched a major search operation at the residence and Dhanbad-based office of coal businessman Manoj Agarwal, scrutinizing financial records, account books, property documents, and digital data.
Central security forces were deployed to secure the operation and maintain law and order during the searches.
According to ED sources, the action stems from crucial documents and suspicious bank transactions recently unearthed from networks connected to Manoj Agarwal and other coal operators.
These findings reportedly pointed to large-scale diversion of illegal coal proceeds through hawala channels and shell companies.
In parallel operations, ED teams also raided the premises of Sudhir Chautala and Indraraj Bhadauria, both considered influential players in the regional coal supply chain.
Bhadauria, known as one of the biggest coal transporters in Jharkhand and West Bengal, is said to oversee transportation of coal to power companies across multiple Indian states. Several associated transporters also came under scrutiny during the coordinated raids.
The searches additionally targeted locations linked to Godavari Commodities and Dhansar Engineering, firms suspected to be part of a wider financial network allegedly connected to illegal coal extraction and distribution.
The latest action is described as the second major phase of ED’s crackdown, following the November 22 operation where around 18 locations were raided and several important documents and digital devices were seized.
Investigators believe that certain Dhanbad-based business groups may have been systematically channeling proceeds from illegal mining to create layers of legitimacy, using complex financial structures and proxy firms.
The ED’s investigation is expected to widen as more details emerge from the seized materials.
