New Delhi, April 15: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has taken significant action in a major illegal coal mining and theft case, temporarily seizing assets worth ₹159.51 crore. This operation was conducted under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002.
The investigation revealed that the illegal mining was orchestrated by a gang led by Anup Maji, also known as ‘Lala’. Several companies in West Bengal deliberately purchased illegal coal in cash, thereby helping to legitimize black money.
The seized assets include financial investments such as corporate bonds and alternative investment funds. These investments were found under the names of companies like Shyam Sel and Power Limited and Shyam Ferro Alloys Limited, which are linked to the Shyam Group, operated by Sanjay Agarwal and Brij Bhushan Agarwal.
The investigation also uncovered that this gang was engaged in large-scale illegal mining and coal theft, distributing the coal to various factories in West Bengal. Some local administrative officials were reportedly involved in the operation.
A notable tactic used by the gang was a fake transport challan called ‘Lala Pad’, issued under the names of fictitious companies. Transporters were given a ₹10 or ₹20 note, which they would hold next to the truck’s number plate for a photo to be sent to the gang leader.
This photo would then be forwarded via WhatsApp to police and other officials along the route to prevent the trucks from being stopped or to ensure their immediate release if they were. The investigation also revealed that the entire network utilized hawala for transactions, with cash dealings occurring without bank involvement. The note numbers were used for tracking money, allowing for easy and unrecorded transfers.
Following this latest action, a total of ₹482.22 crore in assets has now been seized in this case. The ED states that this matter involves numerous complex financial transactions aimed at concealing the true sources of illegal funds. The agency continues its investigation, working to identify all individuals involved.
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