The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted a new raid at the home of police officer Manoranjan Mondal in Durgapur, West Bengal, as part of the coal smuggling investigation. This marks the second search at Mondal’s residence, with the central agency previously raiding his house on February 3 and questioning him extensively.
On Wednesday morning, ED officials, backed by central forces, surrounded Mondal’s residence in Durgapur’s City Centre area before commencing the search operation. A notice was affixed at the gate, summoning Mondal to appear at the ED office on March 13 between 12 noon and 1 p.m.
This latest summons is the third issued to Mondal in connection with the case, as he had failed to comply with the previous two summonses. During the raid, ED officials reportedly interrogated Mondal’s family members, although it remains uncertain whether Mondal himself was present at the time.
The ED is investigating Mondal’s suspected involvement in the coal smuggling network, particularly his alleged role in collecting “protection money” related to illicit coal activities and receiving funds from individuals associated with the coal trade. Notably, Mondal, who was recently appointed as the Officer-in-Charge of Budbud police station, was transferred to the Special Branch before formally assuming his duties due to the ongoing probe.
