Kolkata: On September 13, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted raids at several locations across West Bengal as part of its investigation into the Public Distribution System (PDS) ration scam. Searches were carried out in Chakraberia, Kolkata, and at six other locations across districts including Basanti, Jaynagar, and Kalyani.

These fresh raids are a continuation of the probe into the alleged ration scam in the state, which has already seen former food and civil supplies Minister Jyotipriya Mallick in custody. Mallick was arrested in connection with the scam in October 2023 and remains detained.

Previously, in July, the ED raided the residence of a rice mill owner linked to Mallick, furthering their investigation into the PDS scam. Earlier in April, the ED attached 48 immovable properties valued over Rs 150 crore, belonging to Mallick and other accused individuals. These assets included two hotels and residential properties of Mallick, then Minister-in-Charge of the Food and Supply Department, along with properties of Bakibur Rahaman, a rice and flour miller, and others.

The attached properties, valued at Rs 50.47 crore, were allegedly acquired through proceeds of the scam. The assets included a residential house in Salt Lake and Bolpur, several ‘benami properties’ held by close associates, two hotels owned by Bakibur Rahaman in Kolkata and Bengaluru, and various bank account balances and fixed deposits.

The investigation began following various FIRs by the West Bengal Police, revealing unauthorized possession of ration meant for PDS distribution and involvement in bogus paddy procurement. The ED identified three key methods of generating proceeds of crime related to the PDS scam: siphoning ration to the open market, mixing old flour with fresh flour meant for PDS, and bogus procurement of paddy at Minimum Support Price (MSP).

Under Section 19 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002, arrests have been made, including Bakibur Rahaman, Jyoti Priya Mallick, Sankar Addhya, and Biswajit Das.

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