The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is currently investigating a Kolkata-based travel agency that organized numerous overseas trips for influential individuals from West Bengal between 2017 and 2020. This investigation is part of the ongoing probe into a multi-crore cattle smuggling case in the state.

Recently, ED officials conducted a search operation at the travel agency’s office in central Kolkata. After examining the documents seized during the raid, it was confirmed that several influential individuals and their family members had taken multiple trips abroad. Approximately 70% of these trips were to Dubai.

While the ED has not disclosed the names of the other influential individuals involved, they did confirm that one of them is Vinay Mishra, a former leader of the Trinamool Youth Congress and a key accused in the coal smuggling case. Mishra is currently evading arrest and is believed to be hiding in Vanuatu Island after surrendering his Indian passport.

Mishra’s alleged role in the coal smuggling scam was acting as the main intermediary between Anup Majhi, also known as Lala, the prime accused in the case, and other influential individuals who are now under the ED’s scrutiny. Additionally, Mishra faces charges of diverting funds received as commissions.

Sources have revealed that the ED has identified a correlation between the timing of the overseas trips and the transfer of substantial amounts of illicit funds related to the coal smuggling case abroad. Both these activities occurred between 2017 and 2020. The proceeds from the smuggling were found to have been invested in several shell companies primarily registered in Dubai.

In connection with the coal smuggling case, the ED has summoned West Bengal Law Minister Malay Ghatak multiple times for questioning at their headquarters in New Delhi. However, the minister has repeatedly avoided the questioning, citing his busy schedule due to the upcoming panchayat polls.