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The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday raided 6 locations in West Bengal and 4 in Delhi in a case to coal smuggling and money laundering. ED has accused Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of obstructing the investigation.

ED investigation has revealed that an organized coal smuggling syndicate led by Anup Maji used to illegally extract coal from ECL leasehold areas of West Bengal and sell it to factories and plants located in various districts of the state including Bankura, Bardhaman, Purulia. According to the investigating agencies, a large part of this illegal coal was sold to Shakambhari Group companies.

The ED investigation has also revealed deep connections with hawala operators. Multiple statements and documentary evidence confirmed that the money earned from coal smuggling was layered through the Hawala network.

There are indications that the Indian Political Action Committee (I-PAC) got help in transactions worth crores of rupees in this network. In the search conducted under PMLA on January 8, 2026, people associated with coal smuggling, hawala operators, and handlers were found involved.

During the action taken on Thursday, raids were conducted at 6 locations in West Bengal and 4 locations in Delhi. The situation became tense at some places during the search. The ED alleges that interference by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and the state police hampered the investigation and physical documents and electronic evidence were removed from some places.

ED has clarified that this action has been taken completely on the basis of evidence, no political institution or party office has been targeted and it has no connection with any election. This is an action taken under regular and legal process against money laundering.

Officials said that the ED had registered the ECIR on 28 November 2020. Investigation is going on against Anoop Maji and others. This action was taken on the basis of CBI Kolkata’s FIR number RC0102020A0022 dated 27 November 2020. Many people may soon be arrested in this case.