Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Wednesday conducted another raid at the residence of state police officer Manoranjan Mondal in Durgapur in connection with the ongoing coal smuggling case. A team of ED officials reached Mondal’s house in the City Centre area of Durgapur early in the morning.
Central forces surrounded the premises as the investigation began.
Upon arrival, the officials pasted an ED summons at the gate of the house, directing Mondal to appear before the agency between 12 pm and 1 pm on March 13. This is the third summons issued to Mondal. Earlier, the ED had sent notices twice asking him to appear for questioning, but he allegedly avoided attending both times.
According to ED sources, investigators are currently questioning members of his family. However, it is not yet clear whether Mondal himself is present at the residence.
The ED had also searched Mondal’s house in February this year. At that time, he had just been appointed as the Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Budbud Police Station and was expected to take charge within a few days. Soon after, he was removed from the post and transferred to the Special Branch. According to ED sources, Mondal is suspected of having links with transactions related to protection money in the coal smuggling racket.
Investigators allege that he received large sums of money from businessmen to facilitate illegal coal transportation.
It is learnt that if Mondal avoids appearing again this time, the agency may consider taking stricter legal action against him. The officer also has a controversial past linked to corruption allegations. In 2024, he was suspended following a strong message from Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee regarding the coal smuggling investigation.
At a meeting in Nabanna, the state secretariat, that year, Mamata had expressed concern over allegations linking the ruling TMC to coal smuggling. She had said that while accusations were being directed at the party, some members of the CISF and police were actually aiding the smuggling operations by accepting money.
“I will not tolerate this,” the Chief Minister had said firmly. Following her statement, Mondal, who was then the OC of Barabani Police Station, was suspended, and a judicial inquiry was initiated against him.
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