New Delhi — The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Friday launched an extensive search operation across 18 locations in Dhanbad, Jharkhand, targeting properties linked to noted BCCL contractor L. B. Singh in connection with a coal smuggling and money laundering case.
The raids followed allegations of illegal coal trade, financial irregularities, and suspicious outsourcing contracts involving Singh and other individuals.
Among the locations searched were Singh’s residence, Dev Villa, and various sites related to his firm, Dev Prabha Company, an outsourcing contractor for Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL). The ED also raided the premises of two other coal traders believed to have ties to the alleged malpractices.
Officials said that the operation resulted in the seizure of crucial documents, electronic data, and transaction records that could help unravel irregular tendering processes, unreported financial flows, and black-market coal activities.
The early-morning raids created a stir in the region as multiple ED teams operated simultaneously, supported by security personnel. Eyewitnesses reported a significant number of officials stationed near the searched locations.
Sources revealed that the ED has been observing Singh’s operations for some time, detecting suspicious financial activities and possible violations in BCCL outsourcing procedures. The inclusion of additional coal traders suggests that the investigation may expand further.
While the ED has not yet made any arrests, more action is expected depending on the findings collected during the searches. Local police were deployed to maintain order during the proceedings.
With inputs from IANS