The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has arrested police officer Manoranjan Mondal after a marathon interrogation in connection with the multi-crore coal smuggling case in West Bengal, as per media reports. Mondal appeared before the ED at its Salt Lake office on the northern outskirts of Kolkata on Thursday for questioning in the case. After hours of interrogation, ED officials arrested him late Thursday night.
During the questioning, Mondal allegedly contradicted his own statements repeatedly and refused to answer some questions posed by the investigating officers, sources added.
The ED is expected to produce him before a special Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) court in Kolkata, where the agency counsel will seek his custody for further interrogation.
Former Barabani police station officer under ED scanner
Mondal, currently attached to the Special Branch of the Asansol Durgapur Police Commissariat in West Burdwan district of West Bengal, had been under the ED’s scanner for a long time over his alleged role in the coal smuggling case.
The agency has been examining his role from the time he served as the officer-in-charge of Barabani Police Station in the same district.
Sources said Mondal had earlier avoided appearing before the ED despite several summonses issued to him in connection with the investigation. He had also remained absconding for a long period, sources added.
Besides the coal smuggling case, Mondal was also under the ED’s scanner in connection with an illegal sand mining case.
ED had conducted searches at Mondal’s residence
In March this year, ED officials carried out marathon raids and search operations at Mondal’s residence in Durgapur, the steel city of West Burdwan district.
The investigation into the coal smuggling case has continued with the agency examining alleged money trails and the involvement of various individuals.
Controversial past and suspension
Mondal had earlier faced controversy during his service career. In 2024, he was suspended on corruption charges.
During that period, former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had also made strong remarks on the coal smuggling issue.
Following her remarks, Mondal, who was then serving as the officer-in-charge of Barabani Police Station, was suspended and a judicial inquiry was initiated against him.