The Enforcement Directorate and central force carried out raids at the residence of Trinamool Congress leader Sheikh Shahjahan in Sandeshkhali, North 24 Parganas, on Wednesday morning. The raids were conducted in connection with the ED's probe into the alleged multi-crore ration distribution scam, PTI reported, citing an official. The raids at Shahjahan's residence come 19 days after a team of the probe agency was assaulted by a mob.
ED officials were accompanied by over 120 personnel of the central armed police force. They broke open the collapsible gate of the residence of Sheikh in the Sandeshkhali area in the presence of local police and two locals as witnesses, an officer said, PTI reported.
"We will search Sheikh’s house today. We will also try to talk to the residents there", the ED officer told PTI. After entering the house, the ED sleuths locked the gates from inside and started searches, he added. On January 5, a team of ED officers were assaulted by a mob when they tried to enter the residence of the TMC leader.
Three officers were injured in the attack. The district police and Sheikh’s family members had lodged a complaint against the ED officers. Sheikh, however, is absconding till date. The officials of the probe agency have put up a notice and sealed the residence of Shahjahan in Sandeshkhali, North 24 Parganas.