Bengal Ration Scam: ED searches multiple sites in North 24 Paraganas, Hoogly districts

Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Friday conducted search operations at multiple locations across West Bengal in connection with the alleged ration scam.

ED sleuths searched the homes and godowns of ration shop traders, a food inspector's residence, and a cooperative bank branch in North 24 Parganas district's Joynagar, Deganga, Hooghly district's Kalyani, and South 24 Parganas' Basanti.

A team of agency officials also conducted raids in Kolkata, people in the know said.


Former food minister Jyotipriya Mallick was arrested in October last in connection with the ration scam. In July, the ED had raided 10 locations across the state related to the same case. These included the residences of Sheikh Shahjahan, Bakibur Rahman, Anisur Rahman, and Barik Biswas, all of whom are close aides of Mallick. Bakibur Rahman is out on bail.

Notably, the ED officials were attacked on January 5 in Sandeshkhali allegedly by Trinamool supporters and followers of leader Sheikh Shahjahan, with three officers receiving serious injuries, as they tried to raid the residence of Trinamool Congress leader Shahjahan Sheikh in connection with the ration distribution case.