Dhanbad, July 29 -- The Directorate of Enforcement (ED) on Tuesday carried out coordinated searches at around 25 premises linked to coal traders, their associates and relatives across Dhanbad as part of an ongoing probe into suspected financial irregularities and money laundering linked to the coal trade, people aware of the development said.

Teams from Kolkata, Ranchi and Jamshedpur began simultaneous searches before dawn at residences, business establishments and offices spread across Jharia, Loyabad, Kendua, Bank More, Saraidhela, Memco Mor and other parts of the coal belt. The operation continued throughout the day under heavy security.

Sources said among those whose premises were searched were coal traders and businessmen Ganesh Ya...