Jharkhand Coal Scam Probe Intensifies as ED Summons Five, Including L.B. Singh’s Wife

Ranchi, August 13, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has widened its investigation into the alleged Jharkhand coal scam, summoning five people linked to prominent coal businessman L.B. Singh and Anil Goyal for questioning.

Among those summoned are Aarti Singh, wife of L.B. Singh, his brother Vishwavijay Singh and brother-in-law Ranjit Kumar Singh. Aarti Singh has been directed to appear before the ED’s regional office on August 20, while Vishwavijay Singh and Ranjit Kumar Singh have been asked to appear on August 14 and August 17, respectively.

The agency has also summoned two associates linked to Anil Goyal — Shabbir Alam and Mahendra Singh — for questioning next week.

The latest summons follow the ED’s searches on July 28 at 31 locations in Dhanbad and adjoining areas linked to L.B. Singh, Anil Goyal and their associates.

During the searches, the agency froze mutual fund investments worth nearly Rs 160 crore allegedly linked to L.B. Singh. Investigators also seized around Rs 1.02 crore in unaccounted cash, along with digital devices and documents relating to financial transactions.

The ED further recovered sale deeds and other records concerning more than 200 movable and immovable properties. The agency said the seized documents and digital evidence are being examined.

According to investigators, proceeds allegedly generated through illegal coal-related activities may have been used to acquire assets and make investments. The agency is also examining allegations that illicit earnings were routed through various transactions and entities to give them the appearance of legitimate funds.

The money laundering case stems from multiple FIRs and charge sheets filed by the Jharkhand Police concerning alleged illegal coal mining, theft and transportation of coal, besides extortion and unlawful levy collection in the name of coal-loading operations in Dhanbad and neighbouring areas.

The ED had previously conducted searches in the case in November 2025. The latest summons to members of the accused’s family and business network mark a further expansion of the agency’s investigation into the alleged coal scam.