ED Arrests Two Traders As Bengal Coal Smuggling Probe Intensifies

The Enforcement Directorate has arrested two coal traders in West Bengal in the ongoing coal smuggling case. The arrests came after long questioning and alleged misleading replies during interrogation. Officials say the probe is now moving deeper into the money trail and network behind the scam.

The action signals a sharper phase of the investigation, with the agency focusing on key links and financial flows tied to illegal coal trade.

Who Are The Traders Arrested By ED

The arrested traders have been identified as Kiran Khan and Chinmay Mondal. Both are known names in the coal trading circuit of West Bengal.

Chinmay Mondal is said to be a close associate of Anup Maji, also known as Lala, who is one of the main accused in the coal smuggling case. Investigators believe this connection played a role in tracing larger links within the network.

Why ED Took Them Into Custody

ED officials questioned both traders from Monday onward. According to sources, the arrests happened early Tuesday morning after officials felt the answers given were inconsistent.

Investigators believe the repeated changes in statements were attempts to confuse the probe. This raised suspicion and led to the decision to formally arrest them under provisions of money laundering laws.

Next Legal Steps In The Case

Both traders will be produced before a special PMLA court in Kolkata. The ED is expected to seek their custody for further questioning.

Officials want more clarity on financial transactions, movement of funds, and involvement of other people connected to the coal trade in the region.

ED Expands Probe To Police Links

The investigation has also reached the local police level. On Monday, the ED issued a notice to Monoranjan Hazra, officer-in-charge of Budbud Police Station under the Asansol-Durgapur Police Commissionerate.

Earlier this month, ED teams searched Hazra’s residence and seized documents linked to the coal smuggling case. These documents reportedly revealed important leads, which is why the officer has now been called for questioning.

Raids Across Coal Belt Raise Pressure

Last month, ED carried out raids at offices and homes of coal traders in coal belt areas like Asansol and Jamuria in West Burdwan district.

During one such operation in Jamuria, officials seized cash worth Rs 1.50 crore from a coal trader’s residence. These raids are seen as part of a wider effort to trace illegal earnings and hidden assets.

Senior-Level Monitoring Of The Case

ED Director Rahul Navin visited Kolkata last month and reviewed the progress of several high-profile cases in the state, including the coal smuggling investigation.

This visit underlined the importance of the case and the agency’s intent to push it forward without delay.

What This Means Going Ahead

The arrest of Kiran Khan and Chinmay Mondal suggests that the probe is far from over. More questioning, custody requests, and fresh summons are likely in the coming days.

As the ED follows money trails and connections, the coal smuggling case continues to expose how deep the network may run in West Bengal.