The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has arrested former police officer Manoranjan Mondal in connection with its ongoing money laundering investigation into the alleged multi-crore coal smuggling racket in West Bengal. The arrest marks a significant development in the agency’s probe into the alleged network of illegal coal extraction, transportation, and financial irregularities.
Former Police Officer Arrested After Extensive Questioning
According to officials, Manoranjan Mondal, the former officer-in-charge of Barabani Police Station, was taken into custody late Thursday after several hours of questioning at the ED's office located in the CGO Complex, Salt Lake.
Mondal had been under the scanner of central investigators for an extended period. He was suspended from service in 2024 following separate allegations related to corruption.
ED Investigating Financial Transactions
The Enforcement Directorate stated that Mondal allegedly failed to respond to multiple summons issued during the course of the investigation.
Officials claimed that during questioning, discrepancies emerged in his statements regarding several financial transactions currently under scrutiny. Investigators are examining bank records, fund transfers, and other financial documents that they believe may be linked to the alleged coal smuggling operation.
"Certain financial trails and banking transactions require further investigation, and the accused was unable to provide satisfactory explanations regarding some of these transactions," an ED official said.
Coal Smuggling Racket Under Investigation
The arrest is part of the ED's broader probe into an alleged coal smuggling network that reportedly operated across parts of West Bengal with the support of members of the coal mafia and certain public servants.
Investigators suspect that illicit proceeds generated from illegal coal extraction and transportation were laundered through multiple channels. The agency is examining the role of various individuals who may have facilitated the movement of funds linked to the racket.
According to officials, Mondal allegedly maintained connections with individuals involved in the coal trade and is suspected of playing a role in enabling financial transactions linked to the operation.
Previous Searches and Summons
The ED had earlier conducted searches at Mondal's residence in Durgapur as part of its efforts to trace and question him. Investigators reportedly pasted notices at the property after failing to locate him during earlier operations.
The agency had also presented details of bank accounts and transaction records before the court, alleging that substantial amounts of money were credited to accounts associated with Mondal during the period under investigation.
Focus on Money Laundering and Protection Network
The central agency believes the alleged coal smuggling network expanded through a combination of local operators, financial intermediaries, and protection from influential individuals.
Investigators are currently tracing the flow of alleged illegal proceeds and examining whether public officials played a role in facilitating or shielding the operation.
The case has already witnessed multiple raids, arrests, and seizures over the past few years, making it one of the most high-profile economic offence investigations in West Bengal.
Probe Continues
The arrest of Manoranjan Mondal is the latest step in the ED's ongoing investigation into the alleged laundering of proceeds generated from illegal coal mining and transportation activities in the state.
Officials said further questioning and financial analysis are underway, and additional action may follow as the investigation progresses.