The Enforcement Directorate on Friday conducted a series of searches across West Bengal in connection with the ration distribution scam. The agency is targeting money laundering sources linked to the suspected fraud in the Public Distribution System.
Searches at multiple locations
The central investigating officers visited the North 24 Parganas home of a businessman to probe his ties to the scam. According to sources, nine sites belonging to exporters and suppliers of food items were searched, including those linked to Kolkata-based trader Niranjan Chandra Saha. Premises in locations such as Kolkata, Habra, and Burdwan were also covered.
Political reactions
Trinamool Congress leaders on Saturday pointed out that these searches were being conducted as the areas prepare for the second phase of assembly elections on April 29. They alleged that the timing was politically motivated.
Background of the scam
The probe into the ration scam began in October 2020 following a police complaint in Basirhat. The complaint, lodged by the deputy customs commissioner of Ghojadanga, alleged misappropriation of PDS wheat intended for social welfare. It was also claimed that foodgrains were acquired at cheap rates through illicit networks involving dealers, distributors, middlemen, and suppliers working together to divert state-managed food supplies.
