What Assets Did the ED Attach Worth Rs 302.89 Cr?
Synopsis
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has taken significant action by attaching assets worth Rs 302.89 crore linked to three separate money laundering cases. This includes substantial properties connected to fraud in the Andaman & Nicobar State Co-operative Bank and illegal coal mining operations. The implications of these investigations could be far-reaching as they unveil financial irregularities at high levels.
Key Takeaways
ED attached assets worth Rs 302.89 crore .
Involves three separate money laundering cases .
Largest attachment linked to ANSCBL fraud .
Second-largest relates to illegal coal mining .
Political implications with Mamata Banerjee involved.
Kolkata, Feb 13 (NationPress) The Enforcement Directorate (ED) announced on Friday that it has provisionally attached assets valued at Rs 302.89 crore in three distinct money laundering investigations, as confirmed by an official statement.
As per the announcements made by the ED, the largest attachment, totaling Rs 200.02 crore, is linked to the Andaman & Nicobar State Co-operative Bank Limited (ANSCBL) fraud case, which involves purported financial misconduct.
“The properties seized encompass hotels, resorts, and land parcels located in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. This attachment represents a significant recovery of the illicit proceeds identified thus far in the ANSCBL fraud,” the official statement detailed.
The second-largest attachment, amounting to Rs 100.44 crore, pertains to allegations of extensive illegal coal mining and theft within the leasehold regions of Eastern Coalfields Limited (ECL), a subsidiary of Coal India Limited (CIL).
“On January 8, 2026, the ED executed searches across 10 locations in Kolkata and Delhi. Evidence gathered during these operations has been crucial in establishing a link between the proceeds of crime and the properties attached. The cumulative attachment for this case now totals Rs 322.71 crore,” another statement indicated.
In the third investigation, the ED’s Kolkata regional office has provisionally attached immovable assets worth Rs 2.43 crore under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), based on a prosecution complaint against PKS Limited and its directors, including Swapan Kumar Saha.
Previously, the ED had confiscated valuables and frozen bank accounts valued at Rs 27.88 crore.
Among these cases, the investigation involving coal smuggling in West Bengal stands out as the most prominent.
Controversy arose last month when the ED conducted simultaneous search operations at the office of the Indian Political Action Committee (I-PAC) in Salt Lake and at the residence of co-founder Pratik Jain on Loudon Street in central Kolkata.
During these raids, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee visited both sites, accompanied by high-ranking bureaucrats and police officials, and departed with documents and electronic materials. This issue is currently under review by the Supreme Court.
Last month, ED Director Rahul Navin visited Kolkata to assess the progress of investigations into several major financial misconduct cases in the state, including those related to coal smuggling.
Point of View
The actions taken by the Enforcement Directorate reflect a growing commitment to combat financial crimes and uphold integrity in economic transactions. The swift response to these high-profile cases demonstrates the ED's determination to address corruption and restore public trust. The ongoing investigations promise to shed light on significant irregularities that warrant thorough scrutiny.
NationPress
2 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the total value of assets attached by the ED?
The total assets attached by the Enforcement Directorate amount to Rs 302.89 crore.
In which cases were the assets attached?
The assets were attached in three separate money laundering cases, including fraud linked to the Andaman & Nicobar State Co-operative Bank and illegal coal mining.
What types of properties were included in the attachment?
The attached properties include hotels, resorts, and parcels of land located in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
Who are the key figures involved in the investigations?
Key figures mentioned include Swapan Kumar Saha and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, along with directors of PKS Limited.
What legal framework is being applied?
The attachments are being made under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
