ED raids 9 locations across Kolkata, Burdwan and Habra in 'PDS scam'-linked money laundering case

The Enforcement Directorate conducted extensive search operations across West Bengal on Saturday in connection with an alleged money laundering case linked to a Public Distribution System (PDS) scam. The raids were carried out at multiple locations in Kolkata, Burdwan and Habra as part of an ongoing investigation under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.

According to officials, nearly nine premises linked to suppliers, exporters and business entities were searched. Among those under scrutiny are individuals associated with trader Niranjan Chandra Saha. The agency is probing allegations of large-scale diversion of subsidised food grains meant for welfare distribution under government schemes.

The case originated from an FIR lodged in October 2020 by Basirhat police following a complaint by a customs official at the Ghojadanga land customs station. Investigators allege that wheat meant for the Public Distribution System was procured through unauthorised channels, diverted with the help of intermediaries, and later sold in the open market or exported after being repackaged to conceal its origin.

The ED has previously arrested former West Bengal food minister Jyoti Priya Mallick and others in connection with the case. Officials say that during the latest phase of investigation, teams conducted coordinated searches from early morning hours, with central forces deployed for security. The raids come just ahead of the second phase of assembly elections in the state.