Money‑laundering probe targets LB Singh network after July raids

The Enforcement Directorate has intensified its money‑laundering probe into a suspected illegal coal operation that spans Dhanbad and surrounding districts in Jharkhand. Following a sweeping raid on July 28, the agency has now issued summons to five individuals connected to the network of coal trader L.B. Singh and businessman Anil Goyal.

Summonses were dispatched to Arti Singh, Vishwajit Singh and Ranjit Kumar Singh, all relatives of L.B. Singh, directing them to appear before the ED regional office on August 20, August 14 and August 17 respectively. Two of Goyal’s associates, Shabbir Alam and Mahendra Singh, have also been called for interrogation in the next few days.

During the July operation, investigators searched 31 sites, including the homes and offices of the primary suspects. The raid resulted in the seizure of approximately ₹160 crore in mutual‑fund investments tied to the alleged syndicate, along with ₹1.02 crore in unaccounted cash, digital storage devices, and a trove of transaction records. More than 200 documents related to movable and immovable assets were also recovered.

The ED is now analysing the confiscated material to establish how the proceeds from illegal coal extraction and smuggling were allegedly channelled into property purchases and financial investments, thereby attempting to legitimize the illicit earnings. The case proceeds on the foundation of several FIRs and charge sheets lodged by Jharkhand police.