Jyotipriya Mallick will undergo interrogation alongside Bakibur Rahman

Former Food Minister of West Bengal, Jyotipriya Mallik, faces arrest and extended interrogation by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). He will be questioned alongside businessman Bakibur Rahman, who has already been arrested in the ration distribution corruption case. 

The ED is intensifying its investigation into the alleged corruption in ration distribution that occurred during Jyotipriya Mallik's tenure as the state's Food and Supplies Minister from 2011 to 2021. Rahman, during previous interrogations, disclosed his involvement in widespread corruption during this period, citing a close relationship with Mallik. Both will be subjected to face-to-face interrogation to ascertain their roles.

Jyotipriya Mallik is the second member of the West Bengal cabinet to be arrested by the central agency in connection with alleged money laundering. He joins a list of four Trinamool Congress MLAs arrested by the central agency, with others implicated in a cash-for-jobs case at a West Bengal school. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has expressed concerns about Mallik's health and warned of filing an FIR against ED officials if his health deteriorates during custody.