Coal smuggling case: ED searches I-PAC-linked premises

The Enforcement Directorate conducted simultaneous searches across multiple cities, including Hyderabad, in connection with a money laundering probe linked to the West Bengal coal smuggling case. Officials examined documents and financial records to trace fund flows.

Hyderabad: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday carried out simultaneous searches at multiple locations across the country, including in Hyderabad, in connection with a money laundering investigation linked to the alleged coal smuggling scam in West Bengal.

The agency covered premises associated with the Indian Political Action Committee (I-PAC), including the residence and office of its director Pratik Jain in Kolkata. Simultaneous searches were also conducted at offices in Delhi, Hyderabad and Bengaluru.

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The agency is probing suspected financial transactions connected to proceeds generated through illegal coal mining and transportation in the state. Investigators are examining documents, electronic devices and account details to trace the flow of funds and establish any links between the entities under scrutiny and the alleged scam.

The coal smuggling case has been under investigation for several years, with multiple agencies looking into the alleged network involved in illegal extraction and movement of coal.