ED Freezes Assets Worth ₹136.44 Crore in Illegal Coal Mining Case
The Enforcement Directorate has frozen assets linked to illegal coal mining activities worth ₹136.44 crore in New Delhi.
New Delhi, October 16 (Daily Kiran) : The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has taken significant action in New Delhi by temporarily freezing assets worth ₹136.44 crore linked to illegal coal mining and money laundering associated with Eastern Coalfields Limited (ECL). This move falls under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002.
The ED’s investigation reveals that large-scale illegal coal mining and theft occurred in ECL’s leased areas. Allegations suggest that these activities were orchestrated by an organized syndicate led by Anup Majhi, also known as Lala.
The investigation uncovered that the syndicate was involved in the theft and sale of illegally mined coal. Reports indicate that, with the assistance of some local administrative officials, this coal was sold for cash to various factories in West Bengal. Several shell companies were utilized to disguise the illicit earnings and obscure their sources.
According to the ED, these companies were effectively controlled by Anup Majhi, although they were registered under the names of his relatives, employees, and close associate Gurupada Majhi. Cash generated from the illegal coal trade was deposited into various bank accounts through these companies, thereby concealing the true sources of the funds and the beneficiaries.
The investigation also revealed that the proceeds from these criminal activities were invested in various properties and tourism projects. The latest freezing order includes two hotel-resorts named “Garh Panchkot Eco Tourism” in Purulia and “Biharinath Eco Tourism” in Bankura, along with properties in Kolkata, funds in shell companies’ bank accounts, and investments in shares and mutual funds belonging to the Majhi family.
Previously, assets worth ₹678.64 crore had already been frozen in this case. With this latest action, the total value of frozen assets has now reached ₹815.08 crore.
The ED stated that it is continuing to uncover layers of the money laundering network, identify the true beneficiaries of the illegal earnings, and investigate the roles of other individuals and entities involved in illegal coal mining.
The agency emphasized its commitment to combating the illegal exploitation of public natural resources and associated economic crimes.
