Tensions gripped West Burdwan district as ED launched coordinated raids Tuesday against entrenched sand and coal smuggling operations. The multi-location blitz, involving substantial manpower and security backup, zeroes in on violations linked to Eastern Coalfields Limited and rampant illegal dredging.
Starting at dawn in Nabagram, 25-30 ED officials scoured facilities for proof of coal pilfering. In parallel, Durgapur emerged as a focal point, with agents storming the fortress-like home of a seasoned sand smuggler. This individual, who upgraded from Panagarh to a luxury Durgapur pad two years ago, boasts recent Dubai travels amid whispers of offshore dealings.
Initial barricades delayed entry, necessitating central forces to breach the perimeter. Investigators fanned out to the suspect’s brother’s property, mapping the syndicate’s intricate network and financial trails.
This phase builds on clues from the January 8 ED strikes at I-PAC head Prateek Jain’s domains, which drew sharp rebukes from CM Mamata Banerjee. She accused the agency of targeting her party’s electoral materials during the searches, heightening state-center frictions.
No disclosures on finds have surfaced, but the raids spotlight systemic issues in Bengal’s resource sectors. By exposing these illicit trades, ED aims to restore order, safeguard revenues, and mitigate ecological damage from unchecked exploitation.