Kolkata, 16 April (H.S.): The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has filed a prosecution complaint before a special PMLA court against five accused in a major coal smuggling and illegal mining case, officials said on Tuesday.

The accused, including Anup Majhi, Niranjan Mandal, and Kiran Khan among others, are alleged to be part of a well-organised syndicate involved in large-scale illegal coal extraction, theft, and transportation in the Durgapur-Asansol region of West Bengal.

According to the agency, the investigation was initiated based on multiple FIRs registered at various police stations in the region. The ED stated that the syndicate operated a structured network controlling the entire supply chain of illegal coal mining and transport activities.

The agency has alleged that illegal levies ranging between ₹275 and ₹1,500 per tonne of coal were collected through this network, generating massive illicit proceeds. It further estimated that the total proceeds of crime could exceed ₹650 crore over a period of several years.

During the investigation, searches were conducted at multiple locations, leading to the seizure of cash, documents, and other incriminating materials. The ED said assets worth approximately ₹17.57 crore, including bank balances and valuables, have been attached so far.

Officials also alleged that the proceeds of crime were layered through multiple companies and bank accounts to conceal their origin. In an earlier development in the case, one of the accused was arrested under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

The ED has stated that the investigation is ongoing and further revelations are expected in the coming days.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh