Press release details ED searches across West Bengal and Delhi in CBI coal smuggling probe, hawala transactions, and alleged obstruction during investigation
Press Release 08-01-2026
Today, search is being conducted based on CBI Kolkata FIR No. RC0102020A0022 dated 27.11.2020 against Sh. Anup Majee and others, for which ED had recorded ECIR vide ECIR/17/HIU/2020 dated 28.11.2020. During investigation, it was revealed that the coal smuggling syndicate led by Anup Majee used to steal and illegally excavate coal from ECL leasehold areas of West Bengal. Thereafter, this coal was sold at various factories/plants located in Bankura, Bardhhaman, Purulia and other districts of West Bengal. Investigation revealed that a large part of this coal was sold to Shakambhari Group of Companies. Investigation revealed links with Hawala Operators as well. Multiple evidences, including statements of various persons, confirmed the hawala nexus. Investigation revealed that one hawala operator linked to layering of proceeds of crime of coal smuggling had facilitated transactions of tens of crores of rupees to Indian PAC Consulting Private Limited. The persons linked to generation of coal smuggling proceeds, hawala operators and handlers are covered in PMLA search on 08.01.2026. I-PAC is also one of the entities linked to hawala money.
During today’s action, six premises in West Bengal and four premises in Delhi are covered. During the search, the Deputy Commissioner of Police, South Kolkata, and the Officer in Charge of Sarani Police Station came to one of the premises along with one personnel to verify the identity of the officials. The Commissioner of Police, Kolkata also entered the premises shortly thereafter along with several officers of Kolkata Police. They were briefed about the proceedings by the Authorized Officer, who also showed his identity card. Proceedings were being conducted in a peaceful and professional manner till the arrival of the West Bengal Chief Minister, Ms. Mamata Banerjee, along with a large number of police officials. Ms. Banerjee entered the residential premises of Prateek Jain and took away key evidences including physical documents and electronic devices. The Chief Minister’s convoy then proceeded to I-PAC’s office premises, from where Ms. Banerjee, her aides, and the State Police personnel forcibly removed physical documents and electronic evidences.
The above actions have resulted in obstruction in ongoing investigation and proceedings under the PMLA. It is clarified that the search is evidence-based and is not targeted at any political establishment. No party office has been searched. The search is not linked to any elections and is part of a regular crackdown on money laundering. The search is conducted strictly in accordance with established legal safeguards.
