For the first time, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has directly swung into action in the state’s sand smuggling racket. On Monday morning, simultaneous raids were conducted across 22 locations in West Bengal, including Kolkata, Jhargram, West Medinipur and North 24 Parganas districts.
One of the major searches took place at the sprawling three-story residence of Sheikh Zahirul Ali in Gopiballabhpur, Jhargram. Situated on the banks of the Subarnarekha River, the house is a well-known landmark in the area.
According to allegations, sand had been extracted illegally from the river for a long time, and Ali — who was once employed as a village policeman before entering the sand trade — was directly involved. Along with his house, his car and several documents have been seized for scrutiny.
Locals acknowledged Ali’s role in the sand business but claimed they had no idea about his unlawful activities. However, ED officials, armed with search warrants, are investigating irregularities and possible financial violations.
In Kolkata, the agency carried out a raid at the Behala office of GD Mining, located on James Long Sarani. The company, which also has a branch in Bidhannagar Sector V, is allegedly linked to the sand trade and is now under ED’s scanner.
“The investigation is centred on allegations of illegal sand mining, smuggling and overpricing, with sand being sold at rates higher than the government-fixed price,” said an ED official.
A total of four to five ED teams have been deployed in the operation. Central forces have cordoned off the search areas as documents, financial records, and business papers are being examined.
For years, environmental activists and locals have complained about large-scale ecological damage caused by rampant illegal sand mining in several districts. Chief minister Mamata Banerjee also expressed her concern in public meetings about illegal sand mining and instructed state police to intensify vigil. Acting on these complaints, the ED registered a case recently, which led to Monday’s large-scale coordinated raids.
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