ED Raids ECL Contractor’s Residence in Bengal’s Andal in Coal Scam Probe

Sources said the businessman, identified as Dilip Turi, is a contractor who supplies ambulances and four-wheelers to two Eastern Coalfields Limited (ECL) mines in the Andal area. ECL is a wholly owned subsidiary of Coal India Limited.

Turi is also reportedly associated with a non-government organisation and has business interests in neighbouring Jharkhand.

The ED has not yet officially disclosed the specific reason for the search or the allegations against Turi. However, sources said the operation was linked to the agency's ongoing investigation into the multi-crore coal smuggling case in West Bengal.

Several vehicles carrying ED officials and CAPF personnel reached Turi's residence on Wednesday morning. The security personnel reportedly surrounded the premises before the ED team approached the main entrance.

The officials had to wait for some time before the door was opened, following which they entered the residence and began the search. People present at the house were also questioned during the operation, sources said.

The exact nature of the allegations against Turi remains unclear, and an official statement from the ED is awaited.

The agency has been investigating the alleged coal smuggling case in West Bengal for several years. As part of the probe, the ED has questioned several Trinamool Congress leaders as well as state police personnel, Central Industrial Security Force officials and others.

The latest search comes amid increased ED activity in West Bengal in several cases involving alleged money laundering. Further details regarding Wednesday's operation are expected once the agency issues an official statement.