Investigations reveal extensive financial trails behind Dhanbad coal traders

Ranchi, July 28 – A sweeping Enforcement Directorate operation on Tuesday exposed a labyrinth of suspicious financial dealings linked to coal traders in Dhanbad district. Over 25 sites, ranging from mining pits to transport hubs, were raided in a single day, uncovering hundreds of crore rupees in questionable transactions and a range of seized assets.

The action was launched under the authority of the Prevention of Money‑Laundering Act, based on four FIRs that allege illegal coal mining, unauthorized carriage, extortion and subsequent money‑laundering. Central security forces assisted ED officers in executing the raids across Dhanbad, Jharia, Loyabad, Kenduah, Mahuda, Barawaadda and nearby localities.

Key figures targeted include coal businessmen L.B. Singh and Anil Goyal, together with a host of associates such as Ganesh Yadav, Pappu Mandal, Rohit Yadav, Harendra Chauhan, Madho Singh, Mahendra Pratap, Imtiaz Ali and Rajnikant Sharma. Several of these individuals are reported to have political connections.

During the searches, investigators confiscated bank ledgers, digital transaction records, documents pertaining to anonymous properties, as well as mobile phones, laptops and other electronic gadgets. The material collected points to a wide‑reaching network of investment in real estate and other high‑value assets, possibly exceeding ₹150 crore in total value.

Local villagers staged brief protests at a few locations, but the presence of armed forces ensured the continuity of the operation. The ED has not yet disclosed the precise amount of assets seized. A comprehensive forensic review of the seized documents and electronic data is in progress, after which formal legal proceedings will be initiated.