ED raids 18 locations in Dhanbad in Coal trade money laundering probe

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Friday launched a major operation in Dhanbad district targeting suspected money laundering linked to coal trade and outsourcing operations.
The operation, which began around 6 am, targeted multiple locations associated with coal outsourcing contracts, including Dev Prabha Company and its owner, L.B. Singh. The firm reportedly manages outsourcing work for BCCL. Along with Singh, premises linked to coal traders Anil Goyal and Sanjay Khemka also came under scrutiny.

According to sources, the ED raided a total of 18 locations across Dhanbad, including Singh’s residence “Dev Villa.” During the searches, officials seized several crucial documents, digital records, and financial transaction details believed to be connected to irregularities in coal outsourcing, generation of unaccounted income, and illegal fund transfers.

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Sources said the ED had been monitoring suspected irregular transactions and coal contracts for the past seven to eight months. The agency is learned to have gathered substantial evidence of illegal earnings and unauthorized financial movements. Complaints received earlier by the Ministry of Coal reportedly prompted the initiation of this action.
The operation witnessed a brief disruption when L.B. Singh allegedly released his pet dogs to prevent officials from entering his premises. However, the ED team managed to control the situation and continued the raid.

No BCCL officials have been named in the action so far, though sources indicate that several officers may come under scrutiny as the investigation progresses. The probe has been initiated based on a CBI FIR, which has since been converted into an ED Case (ECIR).