India, Jan. 10 -- A major political storm erupted after the Enforcement Directorate (ED) carried out coordinated raids on January 8 at six locations in West Bengal and four in Delhi linked to election management firm I-PAC.

The searches were conducted as part of a money laundering probe connected to an alleged multi-crore coal theft racket operating in the state.

According to FIRs registered by the CBI and ED, the case centres on large-scale illegal mining and theft of coal from the leasehold areas of Eastern Coalfields Limited (ECL).

Investigators allege that the operation was orchestrated by a statewide syndicate led by Anup Majee, also known as Lala, in "active connivance" with state officials, local police, CISF personnel, private ...