ED Questions IAS Officer Ansar Shaikh in West Bengal Sand Mining Probe; 2016-Batch Officer Once Became One of India’s Youngest IAS Officers
The Enforcement Directorate on Tuesday questioned Ansar Shaikh in connection with an ongoing investigation into alleged illegal sand mining and trafficking activities in parts of West Bengal, particularly in Jhargram district and adjoining regions.
The 2016-batch IAS officer appeared before ED officials at the CGO Complex in Salt Lake after being summoned by the central agency for the second time in the case. Sources familiar with the matter said investigators questioned him regarding alleged illegal extraction of sand from riverbeds and suspected financial irregularities linked to mining operations during his tenure as Additional District Magistrate (ADM) in Jhargram.
The Enforcement Directorate has not yet issued any official statement detailing the nature of the questioning or the present stage of the investigation.
Probe Focused on Alleged Illegal Sand Mining Operations
According to sources, the ED investigation revolves around allegations of large-scale unauthorized sand extraction from riverbeds in Jhargram and nearby areas during the period when Ansar Shaikh was posted in the district administration.
Officials are reportedly examining financial transactions allegedly involving several crores of rupees and are investigating possible links between illegal mining activities and suspected irregular monetary dealings.
The probe is said to include scrutiny of mining and transportation activities connected to three major rivers in the region:
Subarnarekha River
Kangsabati River
Dulung River
Investigators are reportedly looking into whether sand extraction from these river systems violated environmental regulations, mining norms and transportation rules.
The case forms part of a broader crackdown on alleged illegal mining and financial irregularities in different parts of West Bengal.
Currently Serving in Malda District
At present, Ansar Shaikh is serving as Additional District Magistrate in Malda district of West Bengal.
During his administrative career in the West Bengal cadre, he has held several important assignments, including:
Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO), Dinhata in Cooch Behar district
Officer on Special Duty (OSD), MSME and Textiles Department
Additional District Magistrate, Jhargram
Officials said the ED investigation is primarily linked to the period of his posting in Jhargram district.
Ansar Shaikh’s UPSC Success Had Drawn Nationwide Attention
Ansar Shaikh had become a widely recognized figure across the country after clearing the UPSC Civil Services Examination in 2016 at the age of just 21, making him one of the youngest IAS officers in India.
Born on June 1, 1994, in Shelgaon village of Maharashtra’s Jalna district, Shaikh came from an economically weak background. His father reportedly worked as an auto-rickshaw driver, while his mother earned a livelihood as a farm labourer.
His journey from a financially struggling rural family to the Indian Administrative Service had inspired many civil services aspirants across the country.
Family Hardships and Academic Excellence
Ansar Shaikh’s success story had received widespread attention because of the sacrifices made by his family during his preparation years.
Reports at the time stated that his younger brother discontinued his studies early and worked in a motor garage to financially support the family and help fund Ansar’s education and UPSC preparation.
Despite severe financial constraints, Shaikh consistently performed well academically. He reportedly scored 91 percent marks in both Class X and Class XII examinations.
He later pursued graduation in Political Science from Fergusson College.
Cleared UPSC in First Attempt
Ansar Shaikh secured All India Rank 361 in the 2016 Civil Services Examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission.
He chose Political Science as his optional subject and wrote the Civil Services Mains examination as well as the interview in Marathi.
Reports at the time had highlighted his strong performance in the personality test, where he was said to have secured 199 marks out of 275.
His achievement had made headlines nationally and he was frequently invited to motivational programmes and student interactions to share his UPSC preparation journey.
ED Yet to Clarify Investigation Status
While the questioning of the IAS officer has attracted significant attention, the Enforcement Directorate has so far refrained from making any detailed public disclosure regarding the investigation.
Officials have not confirmed whether further summons, searches or additional questioning will take place in connection with the alleged illegal sand mining case.
The investigation continues amid heightened scrutiny over allegations of unauthorized mining activities and related financial irregularities in several regions of West Bengal.
