KOLKATA: On Saturday, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) filed a charge sheet at the special CBI court regarding illegal sand mining in Bengal, estimating the financial irregularities at nearly Rs 145 crore.
The charge sheet identifies 14 companies and four individuals, including businessman Arun Saraf and three employees. Another businessman, Anuran Kumar Senapati, previously questioned by the ED, has been designated as a witness. “My client fully cooperated with the investigating agency,” stated Senapati’s lawyer, Sanjib Dan.
The ED’s investigation uncovered that illegal sand mining and sales had been ongoing for an extended period under various companies. They allege that Saraf executed financial transactions indirectly without keeping direct accounts in his name.
While Saraf admitted to selling sand valued at Rs 103 crore, approximately Rs 130 crore was deposited into his account.
During Saraf’s time in ED custody, sand stocks at 13 locations across the state were verified. The next hearing is set for Monday.
