ED Cracks Down on Sand and Coal Smuggling in West Bengal and Delhi

The Enforcement Directorate conducted raids in West Bengal and Delhi in connection with alleged sand and coal smuggling. Locations including the residence of Manoranjan Mandal in Asansol and multiple traders' premises were searched as part of the investigation into illegal trade activities.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) launched a series of raids across West Bengal and Delhi on Tuesday as part of an investigation into alleged sand and coal smuggling operations, according to official sources.

Searches began early, around 6:30 a.m., and targeted several locations, including the residence of newly appointed Budbud police station officer-in-charge, Manoranjan Mandal, in Asansol. The raids involved joint efforts with central armed forces and spanned Delhi, Kolkata, Asansol, Durgapur, and other parts of the Paschim Bardhaman district.

The operation aims to uncover links to illegal sand and coal trade, following suspicions about Mandal's activities. Despite his reinstatement as an officer-in-charge, after previous corruption suspicions led to his suspension, the ED's scrutiny continues. Locations associated with several sand and coal traders were also searched as the federal probe deepens.

(With inputs from agencies.)