Indian authorities arrested former Bongaon municipality chairman Shankar Adhya early Saturday, January 6, in connection to an alleged food ration scam that has triggered a violent backlash against investigators in West Bengal. #WATCH | North 24 Parganas, West Bengal: Enforcement Directorate (ED) arrested former Bongaon Municipality Chairman Shankar Adhya, in connection with a ration scam case. pic.twitter.com/heorEuBBjb— ANI (@ANI) January 6, 2024Ongoing corruption probe sparks backlashThe Enforcement Directorate (ED) took Adhya into custody as part of an ongoing probe into the fraudulent distribution of government food rations in the state. But the investigation prompted fierce resistance this week from local political leaders and supporters.Mob attacks ED officials On Thursday night, a mob of 800-1,000 people armed with bricks and stones attacked ED officials who were attempting to raid homes tied to the alleged scam. At least three agency members sustained injuries while 27 accompanying paramilitary troops were also targeted as the crowd shouted slogans. ED vehicles bore significant damage as well.State authorities condemn violenceWest Bengal Governor C.V. Ananda Bose and other state authorities strongly condemned the mob action, which the ED labelled an attempted murder. Local BJP officials accused the state government of allowing a jungle raj under Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee even as her TMC party disputed allegations of inciting violence.Ongoing corruption investigation continuesThe raids and arrests this week represent the latest actions in connection to the alleged food ration fraud. The ED previously detained state food minister Jyotipriyo Mullick in October 2023, as investigations steadily implicate members of Mamta Banerjees ruling party. Officials signalled the probe would continue despite the backlash.
