The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted raids at the home of Trinamool Congress leader Sheikh Shahjahan in the early hours of Wednesday in West Bengal’s Sandeshkhali, as part of an investigation into an alleged Public Distribution System (PDS) scam.
Currently, Shahjahan is reported to be absconding,as ANI reported.
“We will search Sheikh’s house today. We will also try to talk to the residents there,” the ED officer told PTI. After entering the house, the ED officers locked the gates from inside and started searches, he added.
Also Read:West Bengal: Enforcement Directorate team attacked during raids, TMC says ‘effect of provocation’
The raid comes days after ED officials were attacked on January 5 during a previous attempt to raid Shahjahan’s residence in the North 24 Parganas district. Over 200 locals, believed to be supporters of Shahjahan, encircled and assaulted the officials, forcing them to retreat. The attack resulted in injuries to two ED officials.
Supporters surrounded the officials, staging a demonstration before assaulting them and compelling them to leave the area. The officers were attacked while attempting to break the lock of the gate, when the TMC leader, despite multiple calls from ED officials, did not open.
While the BJP blamed the Mamata Banerjee government, alleging a breakdown in law and order in the state, the TMC asserted that the locals reacted to provocation from the central agency’s sleuths.
Governor CV Ananda Bose, taking a serious stance on the incident, summoned the state Home Secretary and DGP to Raj Bhavan, urging the prompt arrest of the absconding TMC leader. However, despite several days passing, the TMC leader remains at large.
The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has requested a detailed report from the West Bengal government regarding the attacks.
The raids on TMC leaders are being conducted in connection with an alleged ration scam in the state. Former Food and Civil Supplies Minister Jyotipriya Mullick is already in custody in connection with this case.