The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Tuesday (January 9) directed the West Bengal government to submit a report detailing the recent attacks on Enforcement Directorate (ED) teams within the state, news agency PTI reported citing sources.
As per the report, the communication from the MHA to the West Bengal administration specifically requests a comprehensive account of the events leading up to the attacks, which resulted in injuries to several ED officials. Additionally, the MHA seeks information on the measures taken by the state authorities subsequent to the assaults on the central agency's teams, it added.
On January 5, while conducting a search at the residence of Shajahan Sheikh, a prominent Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader in North 24 Parganas district, three ED officials sustained injuries. The attackers also reportedly confiscated their mobile phones, laptops, and personal belongings. With Sheikh currently evading authorities, the ED has issued a look-out circular, directing all ports of entry and exit to prevent his potential departure from the country.
In a separate incident on the same day, another ED team faced aggression and had their vehicle damaged during the apprehension of TMC leader Shankar Adhya in Bongaon within the aforementioned district.
To assess the situation following these incidents, the ED's Acting Director, Rahul Navin, visited West Bengal on Tuesday. During his visit, Navin is expected to evaluate the ongoing investigation related to alleged irregularities in public distribution and paddy procurement in West Bengal. Additionally, discussions regarding the security concerns of the local ED unit in light of the recent attacks are anticipated.
Furthermore, Navin may meet with Governor C V Ananda Bose at the Raj Bhavan in Kolkata during his visit.
Previously, the ED had alleged significant financial discrepancies, suggesting that a substantial amount, estimated between Rs 9,000-10,000 crore, had been transferred illicitly, with approximately Rs 2,000 crore suspected to have been directed to Dubai, either directly or via Bangladesh. In connection with this case, the agency had arrested West Bengal minister Jyotipriya Mallick, TMC leader Bakibur Rahaman, and Shankar Adhya in recent times. A chargesheet pertaining to money laundering accusations against Mallick, Rahaman, and NPG Rice Mill was submitted by the ED to a Kolkata court in December of the previous year.