The Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials have been carrying out raids and search operations in various locations across West Bengal since Saturday morning. These operations include areas in Kolkata and its outskirts, linked to a land-scam case. Among the places targeted are the office and residence of a prominent city-based businessman associated with the ruling Trinamool Congress.
The ED, along with Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) personnel, initiated simultaneous raids early on Saturday at the businessman’s residence in a high-profile residential complex in South Kolkata. Allegations against the businessman and his company involve illegal land procurement and deceiving investors with promises of high returns on investments.
The ED’s investigation stemmed from multiple FIRs filed against the company and its owner at various police stations in the state. Officials are currently scrutinizing the company’s financial documents, bank accounts, and land deeds. Additionally, top officials and directors of the corporate entity are being questioned during the ongoing raid and search operations.
These actions come amidst the crucial two-phase Assembly elections in West Bengal scheduled for April 24 and April 29, with the Model Code of Conduct in effect. Notably, earlier this year on January 8, ED officials faced resistance during a similar operation at the office of the Indian Political Action Committee (I-PAC) and the residence of its co-founder, Pratik Jain.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, accompanied by state bureaucrats and police officers, intervened during the operations at Jain’s residence and I-PAC’s office, taking away some files. The matter is currently under Supreme Court scrutiny, with I-PAC serving as the voter strategy agency for the Trinamool Congress.
