ED raids Howrah over ration scam, targets fake paddy deals and fund embezzlement

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted multiple raids in Howrah on Wednesday morning as part of its ongoing probe into the ration scam. Officials searched three locations, including the residence of paddy trader Parthendu Jana in Shashati under Shyampur police station. The other two locations belong to transport company owners, while another key suspect is a cooperative society director responsible for paddy procurement. ED sources indicate that the cooperative society was allegedly used to divert government funds by creating records of fake paddy purchases from non-existent farmers.

Investigators have reportedly traced large-scale financial irregularities in the ration distribution system, suspecting that crores were embezzled through fraudulent transactions linked to cooperative societies and transport firms. The latest raids were triggered by leads obtained from arrested rice mill owner Hitesh Chandak, who was taken into custody last year. His statements allegedly revealed a broader network involving fake procurement records and fund misappropriation. Officials are now examining financial documents, transaction records, and digital evidence seized during the raids.

ED has been actively investigating the ration scam for several months, with multiple arrests and seizures made in connection to the case. Former minister Jyotipriya Mallick, who was arrested earlier and is currently out on bail, remains under investigation. Officials have not ruled out further arrests based on the evidence collected. The agency is expected to summon individuals linked to the cooperative society and transport firms for questioning in the coming days. The searches are ongoing, and further developments are anticipated as the investigation progresses.