ED quizzes Kolkata bizman, Howrah dealer; Raid at 14 locations in Ration Scam

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has ramped up its investigation into the alleged corruption in the ration distribution system in West Bengal. On Wednesday morning, multiple ED teams launched a coordinated search operation across 14 locations, including Kolkata and Howrah, as part of their ongoing probe into the ration corruption case. These raids targeted business establishments and homes of individuals suspected to be involved in the scam.

One of the key locations under the ED's radar was the residence of businessman Mahendra Agarwal in Kolkata’s Bangur area. Agarwal, whose connection to the ration scam remains under scrutiny, was interrogated by officials during the raid. ED teams searched both of his homes, meticulously examining documents to establish any link between Agarwal and the alleged corruption in ration distribution.

Apart from Agarwal, another significant target of the ED’s operation was ration dealer Loknath Saha, based in Panchla, Howrah. Early in the morning, ED officials arrived at Saha’s residence and later took him to his godown, which supplies foodstuffs to several ration shops in the region. The ED suspects that Saha's operations might be involved in the misappropriation of resources, and their search focused on uncovering any evidence to confirm this suspicion.

This investigation follows a series of complaints and reports of irregularities in the ration distribution system. The ED is examining how foodstuffs meant for public distribution may have been diverted or sold off in the black market, with powerful individuals involved in the racket.