The Directorate of Enforcement (ED) launched an intensive series of raids across multiple locations in Assam and Meghalaya on Thursday, targeting a high-stakes money-laundering investigation linked to illegal coal mining and coke plants. This operation covers regions within both states, including Jadigittim and Nongalbibra in Meghalaya and Jogighopa, Margherita, and Guwahati in Assam, under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. Such actions stem from an FIR registered in Shillong, encompassing violations from the Indian Penal Code to the Benami Transaction Act.
The crackdown yielded an extensive haul of digital devices and incriminating documents, such as diaries and ledgers, providing insight into the operations of illegal “rat hole” mining. Despite a decade-long ban, these dangerous mining expeditions persisted in deplorable conditions, disregarding any miners’ safety. In the South Garo Hills’ Jadigittim region, investigation revealed active illegal coal extraction by managers and laborers using basic tools with around 20 illicit mines operational in Era Aning and Goreng areas. Laborers found onsite were turned over to local authorities for identity verification.
This enforcement operation also outlined how a sophisticated syndicate executed coal smuggling across the Meghalaya-Assam border. Trucks transporting illegal coal were reportedly disguised as carrying legally sourced material using fabricated documents. According to the ED, syndicate associates charged coal mine owners hefty commissions, ranging from Rs 1.27 Lakh to Rs 1.5 Lakh per truck for this illicit endorsement, all cash-transacted. Illegal coal was stored at Jogighopa depots in Assam, subsequently distributed to various industries such as cement, brick kilns, and even illegal coke plants.
Further, ED’s extensive searches in Jogighopa exposed individuals involved in creating fraudulent bills to falsely claim the coal’s legitimate acquisition from Assam mines. Most of these transactions were in cash with fake invoices to craft an illusion of legitimate operations. A considerable stash of cash, recorded meticulously in seized diaries, was stored at cash handlers’ residences—a testament to the syndicate’s financial workings. Investigations also pointed to collaboration with illegal operators in Margherita, Tinsukia, to falsely present coal as legally mined.
The analysis of the confiscated documents coupled with testimony from managers, owners, and laborers paints a staggering picture of the operation’s scale, estimating daily illegal coal extraction of 1,200 tonnes from South Garo Hills. Despite the risks and illegality, mine owners reportedly earned a net profit of Rs 5,000 to Rs 10,000 per truck, demonstrating the operation’s financial allure.
During the sweeping raids, the ED confiscated unaccounted cash amounting to Rs 1.58 Crore and various high-tech gadgets including laptops and mobile phones. Additionally, two luxury vehicles, suspected acquisitions from illicit proceeds, were seized. The ED confirmed ongoing investigations to dismantle the full extent of this illegal coal mining syndicate and ensure accountability for all participants in this large-scale money laundering endeavor.
This unfolding event highlights the enduring challenges of illegal mining and its associated financial crimes in India’s northeastern sectors, underlining the necessity for stringent regulatory measures and effective enforcement to safeguard regional economic integrity.
Original Source: https://nenow.in/north-east-news/assam/ed-unearths-illegal-coal-mining-in-meghalaya-assam-seizes-rs-1-58-crore.html
Category : Assam,Meghalaya,Northeast News,Top News
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Publish Date: 2025-04-26 00:09:00
