Kolkata: The Enforcement Directorate on Friday conducted a number of searches across West Bengal in connection to the ration distribution scam. The agency is targeting the money laundering sources in connection to the suspected ration distribution fraud. The central investigating officers visited the North 24 Parganas home of a businessman to investigate his ties to the Public Distribution System scam.
According to sources, there were nine sites belonging to exporters and suppliers of food items. These include those linked to a Kolkata-based trader Niranjan Chandra Saha. The premises at locations like Kolkata, Habra, and Burdwan were also searched.
Trinamool netas on Saturday pointed out that these searches were being carried out as the areas are preparing for the second phase of assembly election on April 29.
Probe into the ration scam started in Oct 2020 following a police complaint in Basirhat. The complaint, lodged by Ghojadanga's deputy customs commissioner, claimed misappropriation of PDS wheat intended for social welfare. It was also alleged foodgrains were acquired at cheap rates via illicit networks involving dealers, distributors, middlemen and suppliers working together to divert the state-managed food supplies.