ED Tightens Grip on Jharkhand Coal Scam, Summons Five Including Businessman LB Singhs Wife

Ranchi, August 13: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is intensifying its investigation into a money laundering case linked to illegal coal mining, smuggling, and alleged extortion in Dhanbad, Jharkhand. The agency has begun preparations to question associates of prominent coal businessman LB Singh, issuing summons to five individuals, including Singh’s wife, Aarti Singh.

Aarti Singh has been directed to appear at the ED’s regional office on August 20. Her brother-in-law, Vishwajay Singh, is scheduled to appear on August 14, while her brother, Ranjit Kumar Singh, has been summoned for August 17. Additionally, Shabbir Alam and Mahendra Singh, associated with Anil Goyal, have also been called for questioning next week.

This action by the ED follows extensive searches conducted on July 28 in Dhanbad and surrounding areas. During these searches, the agency examined 31 locations, including properties linked to LB Singh and Anil Goyal. Approximately ₹160 crore in mutual fund investments associated with LB Singh was frozen during this operation.

Moreover, the agency seized ₹1.02 crore in unaccounted cash, digital devices, and documents related to financial transactions. The ED also discovered sale deeds and other documents pertaining to over 200 movable and immovable properties.

According to the ED, the investigation is ongoing, focusing on the documents and digital evidence collected. The agency suspects that funds acquired from illegal coal operations were used to purchase and invest in various assets. Allegedly, attempts were made to legitimize the proceeds through various financial transactions and entities. This investigation is based on multiple FIRs and charge sheets filed by the Jharkhand police.

The allegations in these cases include illegal coal mining, smuggling of stolen coal, and extortion under the guise of coal loading in Dhanbad and nearby regions.

The ED had previously conducted searches related to this case in November 2025. Following the July 28 operation, the summoning of family members and associates is viewed as the next phase of the investigation.