West Bengal: ED team attacked, vehicle vandalised; TMC leader held during raids

West Bengal: Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials and paramilitary forces were attacked on Friday in West Bengal's Sandeshkhali while investigating an alleged ration scam.

ED team attacked in West Bengal

The incident occurred in North 24 Parganas district when the team approached the residence of Trinamool leader Shah Jahan Sheikh, who was later arrested.

#WATCH | North 24 Parganas, West Bengal: A team of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) attacked during a raid in West Bengal's Sandeshkhali.

More details are awaited pic.twitter.com/Rfu6wounaV

— ANI (@ANI) January 5, 2024

Locals said over 200 people surrounded the officials, vandalising government vehicles. The attack happened amid ongoing ED raids over a ration pilferage scam in the state.

Here’s what the BJP said:

State BJP President Sukanta Majumdar claimed the mob reflected the lawlessness of Rohingya refugees in West Bengal.

"There is a complaint and corruption charges against all of them. Naturally, the Enforcement Directorate will take action. The attack shows what the Rohingya are doing to the law and order in the state," he said.

Later, Leader of the Opposition, Suvendu Adhikari alleged the law and order situation in West Bengal "is in shambles."

Taking it to X, he said, “Horrific. The Law & Order Situation in West Bengal is in shambles. ED Officials & CRPF Jawans brutally attacked in Sandeshkhali; North 24 Parganas district, while conducting Raid at TMC leader Sheikh Shahjahan's house. I doubt that Rohingyas are present amongst the Anti National attackers.”

Horrific. The Law & Order Situation in West Bengal is in shambles.

ED Officials & CRPF Jawans brutally attacked in Sandeshkhali; North 24 Parganas district, while conducting Raid at TMC leader Sheikh Shahjahan's house.
I doubt that Rohingyas are present amongst the Anti National… pic.twitter.com/XHboQsBVSX

— Suvendu Adhikari • শুভেন্দু অধিকারী (@SuvenduWB) January 5, 2024

Further, he also urged Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose to take cognisance of "this grave situation and take appropriate action to crush this anarchy."

Adhikari demanded an NIA probe into the matter.

The incident marks serious allegations of obstruction of justice amid the high-profile scam investigation.

What is the Ration distribution scam?

The ED has probed the alleged scam for months after revelations that 30% of West Bengal's public distribution system rations were diverted illegally.

Agency findings show proceed sharing between millers and distributors of pilfered rations.

"Rice millers opened fake farmer accounts with officials, pocketing government paddy procurement funds. One key suspect admitted millers earned Rs.200 per quintal on grain meant for authorities," the ED disclosed.

Multiple rice millers used this practice statewide for years, the agency ascertained.

In October, flour/rice miller Bakibur Rahaman was arrested. Searches in October and November seized incriminating materials and Rs.1.42 crore, plus frozen alleged proceeds worth Rs.16.87 crore.

The ED arrested State Food Minister Jyoti Priyo Mallick, who oversaw the department during the "irregularities". Mallick was remanded to ED custody until November 6.

The high-profile investigation has run into stiff resistance before, with ED officials allegedly obstructed last year.

What’s the aftermath of this attack?

Today’s attack during raids at a Trinamool leader's home underscores risks the agency continues to face while probing the complex scam.

Opposition claims of lawlessness indicate concerns over West Bengal's response to corruption probes. With paramilitary forces also attacked, the incident may spark further scrutiny of state law enforcement's ability to enable impartial investigations.

The probe agency continues operations, but the brazenness of the alleged ration scam obstructions will worry corruption monitors. The agency is pushing ahead amid constant political tensions, underscoring its resolve to unravel the pilferage schemes.

But determined scam beneficiaries appear equally resolute to impede authorities. This fierce standoff will continue rocking West Bengal as the high-stakes probe grinds onward.