In a significant development, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has launched a search operation at the residence of West Bengal’s Forest Minister, Jyotipriyo Mallick, as part of an ongoing probe into an alleged multi-crore ration distribution scam. The ED officials conducted early morning raids at two flats owned by Ms. Mallick in Kolkata’s Salt Lake area, with the support of a team of central forces.
The search operation has also been extended to eight other flats, including the former residences of Jyotipriyo Mallick’s former personal assistant during his tenure as the Food minister. Notably, the minister was not present during the initial raid but arrived later, and his phone was reportedly confiscated by the ED officials.
An ED officer revealed, “The minister was not there during the raid. He came later, and his phone has been taken away. There are eight officers inside. We are also conducting searches at his former personal assistant’s residence in Dum Dum and a few other places.” The central probe agency has already arrested one individual with alleged close links to the ruling Trinamool Congress and Jyotipriyo Mallick.
This development underscores the intensifying investigation into corruption allegations related to the distribution of ration in West Bengal, raising significant political and legal implications. As the search operation unfolds, it is expected to shed light on the details of the case and the extent of the alleged irregularities.
Sources By Agencies