1. ED conducts fresh raids at the residence of Trinamool Congress leader Shahjahan Sheikh in Sandeshkhali, West Bengal.
2. Heavy security forces, including one CRPF company, accompany the ED team for the investigation.
3. A convoy of over 24 cars, along with local police, is part of the operation.
Kolkata, Jan 24: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has launched another round of raids at the residence of Trinamool Congress leader Shahjahan Sheikh in Sandeshkhali, West Bengal, as part of the ongoing investigation into an alleged ration distribution scam.
This time, the ED team was accompanied by heavy security forces, including one company of the CRPF, and arrived at Shahjahan’s residence in a convoy of more than 24 cars. Local police are present to assist in the raids.
This move comes after a previous incident on January 5, where members of the Enforcement Directorate were attacked by a mob in Sandeskhali as they were en route to Shahjahan’s residence for raids.
More than 200 locals surrounded the officials’ vehicles, leading to vandalism of the vehicles and an assault on the officials. Four individuals have been arrested in connection with the attack.
In the ongoing probe, Trinamool Congress leader Shankar Adhya, former Bongaon Municipality Chairman and another accused in the ration distribution scam, was arrested earlier this month.
He was taken into Enforcement Directorate custody following searches at his residence and properties linked to him and his family members.
Also Read: Trump Triumphs in New Hampshire Primary, Hinting at Potential 2024 Rematch with Biden
During Shankar Adhya’s hearing, the Enforcement Directorate alleged widespread corruption amounting to at least Rs 10,000 crore in the ration distribution scam.
The agency further claimed that approximately Rs 2,000 crore of this amount was illegally funneled to Dubai through Shankar Adhya’s company.
The ED contends that this sum was smuggled overseas in connection with the corruption case involving former Bengal Food Minister Jyotipriya Mallick, who is also implicated in the investigation.
The agency has raised serious allegations of financial irregularities and is actively pursuing leads to unveil the extent of the corruption.
