Did the ED Discover a Hawala Connection Between Two Kingpins in the Bengal Sand Mining Scam?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Enforcement Directorate is investigating a major sand smuggling case.
- A common hawala connection has been identified between two key figures.
- Sanjeev Boyd's role as an insurance agent is under scrutiny.
- Significant evidence has been gathered linking Boyd to illegal activities.
- The investigation aims to uncover all associated parties involved in the scam.
Kolkata, Sep 11 (NationPress) The Enforcement Directorate (ED), which is investigating a massive sand smuggling scandal in West Bengal, has uncovered a shared hawala connection between two prominent figures implicated in the case.
The individuals, Sheikh Zahirul Ali and Sourav Roy, are linked through Sanjeev Boyd, an agent certified by the Insurance Regulatory Development Authority (IRDA), according to sources from the ED.
Earlier this week, the ED conducted extensive raids throughout the state targeting both individuals.
Investigators have gathered evidence suggesting that Boyd's insurance business is merely a facade; his true role is to serve as a hawala agent for various illegal operators involved in money laundering, facilitating the diversion of their illicit profits.
As a hawala agent, Boyd is said to manage the transfer of these illegal funds abroad and assist in investing part of the proceeds in foreign real estate.
This week, ED personnel executed search operations at Boyd's office and residence located in Regent Colony, on Kolkata's outskirts, where they discovered substantial evidence of his connections with both Sheikh Zahirul Ali and Sourav Roy.
Furthermore, ED officials have reportedly acquired solid proof of Boyd's ties to a corporate entity involved in sand mining and trading, which operates from two locations: one in Behala in southern Kolkata and the other in Salt Lake.
Additionally, investigators have compiled a list of other individuals and organizations within various regions of West Bengal that also have business relationships with Boyd. The next phase of the investigation will focus on identifying which of these parties are engaged in illegal sand mining and trading operations.