Officials from the Enforcement Directorate (ED) have been carrying out raids and search operations in 12 locations across West Bengal since Friday morning. The areas being targeted include spots in Kolkata, North 24 Parganas, Murshidabad, and Howrah. In Kolkata, raids are being conducted at the offices of businessmen in Poddar Court and Minto Park.
Another team of ED officials is conducting raids at a businessman’s residence on Lord Sinha Road in South Kolkata. These operations are being supported by Central Armed Police Forces personnel. The raids stem from information obtained during the investigation of a recent arrest in a corruption case related to ration distribution irregularities.
The ED’s probe into the Public Distribution System (PDS) case began after revelations of corruption in the sale of flour meant for distribution. It was discovered that a significant amount of wheat intended for the PDS was diverted to the open market and sold at higher prices. This led to the arrest of several individuals, including former state ministers.
Jyotipriya Mallick, a former state minister, was among those arrested but is currently out on bail and running for elections as a Trinamool Congress candidate. The ED’s recent activities in West Bengal coincide with the upcoming Assembly polls in the state. Earlier in the week, the ED conducted similar operations in Kolkata related to a case of illegal land-grabbing and money laundering.
