The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has seized ₹14.2 lakh in cash and uncovered extensive money laundering operations linked to illegal coke plants in Meghalaya during raids conducted across Guwahati and Kolkata on January 28.
Investigations revealed a complex web of benami ownership, with operators from Assam allegedly running illegal coke plants using Meghalaya residents as front owners.
"Many coke plants were allegedly run in a benami manner in which it was shown to be owned by locals from Meghalaya whereas the actual persons were running the business from Assam," the ED stated in a release.
The raids follow a Meghalaya High Court directive issued in December 2022 mandating the shutdown of all coke plants in the state.
Subsequent enforcement actions led to the closure of 57 illegal plants in the Shallang area of West Khasi Hills District.
The agency’s investigation highlighted significant violations, including the operation of plants without permits and breaches of environmental regulations.
"The coke plants were demolished because they were operating illegally, some without the required permits and others in violation of environmental regulations," the ED noted.
The probe further revealed that these plants were reportedly processing illegally mined coal without authorised sources.
Investigators also uncovered numerous high-value cross-border transactions, seized property documents, and details of bank and mutual fund accounts.
The ED suspects that the illegal coke plant industry in West Khasi Hills District generated substantial proceeds from the sale of illegally mined coal and processed coke. The investigation into what appears to be a widespread money laundering operation continues.
The case originated from an FIR filed by the ADC-cum-SDO (Civil) of Mawshynrut Civil Sub-Division following joint operations with local police to enforce the high court's shutdown order.
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