West Bengal

IIE DIGITAL DESK : The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has once again stepped up its activities, carrying out a fresh search operation at the residence of state police officer Manoranjan Mondal in Durgapur. The raid, which began on Wednesday morning, is linked to the ongoing investigation into the alleged coal smuggling network that has drawn the attention of central agencies for several years.

According to sources, a team of ED officials, accompanied by central security forces, reached Mondal’s residence located in the City Centre area of Durgapur early in the morning. Soon after arriving, the officials began a search of the premises as part of their investigation. The agency also pasted an official notice on the gate of the house directing Mondal to appear before ED officers.

The notice states that Manoranjan Mondal has been asked to appear at the ED office on March 13 between 12 noon and 1 pm. This summons is reportedly the third issued to him by the central agency. Officials said that he had earlier been summoned twice but did not appear before investigators on those occasions.

During Wednesday’s operation, ED officers were also questioning members of Mondal’s family as part of the inquiry. It remains unclear whether the police officer himself was present inside the house at the time the raid began.

Sources within the investigation suggest that the agency is trying to dig deeper into Mondal’s alleged role in the coal smuggling case. Investigators believe that certain financial transactions linked to the illegal coal trade may have connections with the officer. The probe is particularly focused on allegations that “protection money” was collected from individuals involved in coal-related businesses.

According to ED officials, there are suspicions that Mondal may have received money from some businessmen associated with the coal trade. The agency is examining financial records and other documents to determine whether such payments were made and if they were linked to illegal protection arrangements.

This is not the first time the ED has visited his residence. Investigators had previously conducted a search at the same house in February. At that time, Mondal had recently been assigned the post of Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Budbud Police Station and was expected to formally assume charge soon. However, before he could officially take up the position, he was transferred to the Special Branch.

The case is also connected to a broader controversy involving allegations of corruption within certain sections of the police and security forces. In 2024, Mondal had been temporarily suspended following corruption allegations related to the coal smuggling investigation.

The issue had even drawn strong comments from West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee at the time. Speaking at a meeting at Nabanna, she had stated that while political parties often face accusations over coal smuggling, in reality some members of security forces and police were allegedly involved in facilitating the illegal trade in exchange for money.

The Chief Minister had made it clear that such irregularities would not be tolerated and that strict action would be taken against anyone found guilty.

As the ED continues its investigation, Wednesday’s raid and the fresh summons to Manoranjan Mondal indicate that the agency is determined to pursue leads connected to the coal smuggling network. With elections around the corner, the development has also added a new dimension to the political and administrative discourse in the state.