Dhanbad: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Tuesday launched a major crackdown on an alleged money laundering network linked to illegal coal mining in Jharkhand, conducting simultaneous raids at at least 25 locations across Dhanbad. The searches, which began around 6 a.m., were carried out by multiple teams from the ED’s Ranchi Zonal Office at business establishments, residential premises and other properties. The operation is aimed at tracing the alleged proceeds of crime generated through illegal coal mining and uncovering the financial trail behind the network.
According to official sources, ED teams conducted searches at Nalanda Cottage, an apartment in Saraidhela, and several locations in Katras, Tikiyapada, Mahuda, Loyabad and Jharia. The premises under the scanner are reportedly linked to individuals allegedly associated with the illegal coal trade and their business associates.
Those under investigation include coal traders L.B. Singh, Anil Goyal, Ganesh Yadav, Pappu Mandal, Anup Chauhan and Harendra Chauhan, along with former Assembly election candidate Rohit Yadav and their associates. Investigators suspect that substantial illicit wealth was generated through illegal coal mining, transportation and storage, and was subsequently laundered through various financial channels.
According to the ED, four separate Enforcement Case Information Reports (ECIRs) have been registered in connection with the alleged racket. The agency is examining how the suspected illegal proceeds were invested, identifying the individuals involved and determining the overall scale of the network. Investigators also suspect that the alleged proceeds of crime may have been used to acquire immovable properties and make other investments.
During the ongoing searches, ED officials are scrutinising bank records, financial documents, property papers, transaction details, digital devices and other crucial evidence. The objective is to reconstruct the money trail, establish financial linkages and identify the specific role played by each accused. Digital evidence seized during the raids will also be analysed to determine how the alleged illegal funds were routed through different accounts and entities.
This is not the first enforcement action in the case. On November 21, 2025, the ED had conducted raids at around 20 locations in Dhanbad and Dumka linked to L.B. Singh and his associates. During that operation, officials recovered approximately ₹2.20 crore in cash, more than 150 land-related documents, and several pieces of evidence allegedly connected to the illegal coal trade. The current raids are believed to be a continuation of that investigation, with the agency following fresh leads developed from the earlier searches.
Sources said that all documents and electronic devices seized during the present operation will undergo forensic examination. If additional names emerge during the investigation, those individuals may also be brought under the ambit of the probe. The ED is also examining whether the alleged proceeds from illegal coal activities were diverted into other business ventures, real estate holdings or financial investments.
The search operation is still underway, and officials are correlating evidence collected from multiple locations. Based on the findings, the ED may summon the individuals concerned for questioning, attach suspected assets and initiate further proceedings under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). Investigators believe the ongoing operation could expose several crucial layers of the alleged financial network behind the illegal coal trade and provide a clearer picture of how the suspected syndicate functioned.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
