THE Enforcement Directorate (ED)onFridaycarriedoutraids atseverallocationsacrossWest Bengal as part of its investigation into the Public Distribution System ration scam. The ED conducted searches in Chakraberia, Kolkata, as well as in six other locations across various districts, including Basanti, Jaynagar, and Kalyani.

 

The freshraids are part of an investigation into the alleged ration scam in the state, with former food and civil supplies minister Jyotipriya Mallick alreadyincustody. Mallickwas arrestedinconnectionwiththe scam in October 2023 and remains behind the bars. In July, ED conducted raids on the residence of a rice mill owner, allegedly a close aideof formerTMCministerJyotipriya Mallick,inconnectionwithan alleged PDS ration scam.

 

In April this year, the EnforcementDirectorate (ED)inKolkataattached48immovable properties worth over Rs150crorebelongingtothethenstate minister Jyoti PriyaMallick and other accused inconnectionwiththePDSrationscam in West Bengal. These assets include twohotels and residential housesbelongingtoJyotiPriyaMallick, thenMinister-in-ChargeoftheFoodandSupplyDepartment, Bakibur Rahaman, SankarAddhya and others.