KOLKATA: In a dramatic turn of events, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) arrested West Bengal Minister Jyotipriya Mallick in the early hours of Friday from his residence in Salt Lake, as part of the ongoing investigation into a multi-crore ration distribution scam. This marks the first instance of a minister’s arrest in connection with a ration distribution scam.
Mallick, who is the State Minister for Forest Affairs, has previously overseen the Food and Civil Supplies department.
The arrest came after an extensive 20-hour questioning session by the ED and searches carried out at a minimum of eight locations. The raids extended to various places, including the residences of Mallick’s personal assistants and other officials.
Upon leaving the ED office at the CGO complex in Salt Lake, Mallick reiterated his belief in a conspiracy surrounding his arrest. He claimed that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and opposition leader Suvendu Adhikari were behind the alleged conspiracy. “There is a conspiracy against me,” he stated.
Reacting to Mallick’s arrest, TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee criticised the BJP, branding it as a perpetrator of “dirty politics.” She pointed out that no similar raids had been carried out on any BJP members.
Banerjee commented, “What type of atrocities and lawlessness is occurring. BJP is playing dirty game. Nobody will remain in power forever, neither they nor us. New generation is coming up.”
In response, Sukanta Majumder, Member of Parliament and State President of Bengal BJP, posted on social media platform X, “The kingpin of the Ration Scam has finally been caught… The truth will always prevail.”
View His Post Here:
The Kingpin of the Ration Scam has finally been caught… The Truth will always prevail…#shameontmc #sbameonmamata #TMC@abhishekaitc @MamataOfficial pic.twitter.com/qVKCBKjPGT
— Dr. Sukanta Majumdar (@DrSukantaBJP) October 27, 2023
The multi-crore ration distribution scam in West Bengal revolves around alleged irregularities in the public distribution of food grain during the COVID-19 lockdown.
