Kolkata, Dec 1 (NationPress) On Monday, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) initiated extensive raid and search operations at the combined residence and office of a local businessman in Gopiballavpur, located in the Jhargram district of West Bengal. This action is part of an investigation into an alleged multi-crore sand-smuggling operation.

The businessman is accused of utilizing forged license documents to extract sand from riverbeds and subsequently selling it in the grey markets, according to sources familiar with the case.

The ED team conducting the raid was supported by personnel from the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF).

The individual under scrutiny is Abhishek Patra, also known as Biltu, whose residence and office have been under investigation since early morning. Previous complaints against him were lodged at the Keshiary police station in the West Midnapore district, where he faced allegations of illegally extracting and selling sand.

Sources indicate that the current raid stems from the earlier complaint filed at the Keshiary police station.

Upon the ED officials' arrival at his residence, they discovered that he was not present; his family reported that he is currently in Kolkata for medical treatment.

Previously, the ED's investigations into the extensive sand smuggling scheme in the state revealed a sophisticated method of operation, where key figures engaged in intricate forgery of e-challans to deceive authorities.

The e-challans, issued at various checkpoints for trucks transporting sand from riverbeds, appeared legitimate. However, detailed inspections by investigators uncovered the elaborate and scientific forgery involved in their creation.