Dhanbad, August 31, 2026: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) questioned Aarti Singh, wife of Dhanbad-based coal businessman L B Singh, for several hours at its regional office in Ranchi on Monday as part of a money laundering investigation linked to alleged illegal coal mining, transportation, storage and smuggling.
The questioning focused on Singh’s business activities, family assets and investments, including documents related to more than 200 immovable properties and mutual fund investments reportedly valued at around ₹160 crore.
Documents linked to 200-plus properties under scrutiny
The questioning follows ED searches conducted on July 29, 2026, at around 31 locations associated with L B Singh and his alleged associates.
According to the material provided, the searches resulted in the recovery of ₹1.02 crore in cash, documents and data relating to mutual fund investments worth around ₹160 crore, and records concerning more than 200 immovable properties. Digital devices, sale deeds and other documents were also recovered.
The ED’s investigation reportedly found that most of the investments reflected in the seized documents were in Aarti Singh’s name. Investigators questioned her about the source of funds used to acquire the properties and make the investments.
The more than 200 properties are estimated in the source material to be worth around ₹500 crore.
Aarti Singh denies illegal business allegations
During questioning, Aarti Singh reportedly told the agency that her husband is involved in the coal business and that he has no illegal business activities.
According to the information provided, she maintained that the family’s movable and immovable assets were acquired from income and profits generated through the coal business.
These statements are part of the investigation and do not by themselves establish the source or legality of the assets under scrutiny.
Appeared after third ED summons
Aarti Singh had previously been summoned twice by the ED but did not appear before the agency on the scheduled dates.
She appeared at the Ranchi office on Monday in response to the third summons and was questioned by ED officials.
The agency may summon her again, along with other people connected with the case, if required during the investigation.
ECIR based on Jharkhand police FIRs
The ED registered an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) based on FIRs registered by Jharkhand Police.
The FIRs contain allegations relating to illegal coal mining, theft or smuggling of illegally extracted coal, alleged extortion and levy collection in the name of coal transportation, and other unlawful activities in Dhanbad and adjoining areas.
Police have filed charge sheets in several of these cases, according to the source material.
The ED’s investigation has reportedly focused on allegations that proceeds generated through criminal activities were moved through different individuals and entities and subsequently used in transactions and asset purchases to make the alleged illegal income appear legitimate.
ED had conducted searches in 2025 as well
The agency had also carried out searches in Dhanbad and Dumka in 2025 at premises linked to Anil Goyal, L B Singh and associated people and entities.
During that operation, the ED reportedly recovered more than 150 land-related documents and approximately ₹2.20 crore in cash.
The latest investigation is examining the links between the properties, investments and their alleged sources of income. Further action will depend on the findings of the ongoing probe.
