Kolkata, June 19: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has arrested police officer Manoranjan Mandal in connection with a high-profile coal smuggling case in West Bengal. The central investigative agency had been monitoring him for some time due to his alleged involvement.
According to sources, Mandal arrived at the ED’s Salt Lake office in the northern outskirts of Kolkata for questioning related to the coal smuggling case. After extensive interrogation, ED officials took him into custody late Thursday night.
Throughout the questioning, Mandal reportedly changed his statements multiple times and refused to answer several questions posed by the officials.
Mandal is set to be presented in a special court in Kolkata under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), where the central agency’s lawyers will seek his custody for further investigation.
Mandal, who was associated with the Special Branch of the Asansol-Durgapur Police Commissionerate in West Bardhaman district, had long been under the ED’s scrutiny due to his previous role as the in-charge of the Barabani police station, which raised suspicions about his conduct.
Despite several summons from the ED, Mandal had failed to appear for questioning and had been evading authorities for an extended period.
In addition to the coal smuggling case, sources indicate that Mandal is also under investigation by the ED for illegal sand mining activities. In March of this year, ED officials conducted a lengthy search operation at his residence in Durgapur, a steel city in West Bardhaman district.
Mandal’s career has been marred by controversies. He was suspended in 2024 due to corruption allegations, prompting former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to make strong remarks regarding the coal smuggling issue. Following this, Mandal was suspended from his position at the Barabani police station, and a judicial inquiry was initiated against him.
–
Leave a Comment