KOLKATA: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Monday made startling revelations, saying that the magnitude of the alleged Public Distribution System (PDS) scam in West Bengal is enormous and its investigation points to massive corruption. The central agency stated that the investigation carried out so far has unveiled the colossal magnitude of the scam, with the proceeds of crime suspected to be between Rs 9,000 – 10,000 Crore. Notably, a substantial amount, around Rs 2,000 Crore, is suspected to have been illicitly transferred to Dubai, either directly or through Bangladesh.

“The investigation carried out so far indicates that the magnitude of the scam is enormous, and the proceeds of crime received and further transferred and layered by one suspected person itself are suspected to be at least to the tune of Rs 9,000 – 10,000 Crore and out of that, Rs 2000 Crore were also suspected to be transferred to Dubai either directly or through Bangladesh,” the agency said according to ANI.

On the alleged PDS scam in West Bengal, the Enforcement Directorate says, “The investigation carried out so far indicates that the magnitude of the scam is enormous, and the proceeds of crime received and further transferred and layered by one suspected person itself are…
— ANI (@ANI) January 8, 2024

Trinamool Congress Leader Remanded To ED Custody

Shankar Adhya, a prominent leader of the Trinamool Congress (TMC), found himself in the midst of the alleged ration scam in West Bengal. A special court in Kolkata remanded Adhya to Enforcement Directorate custody for 14 days on Saturday. The arrest took place following searches at properties linked to Adhya and his family members.

Allegations Of Widespread Corruption

During the court hearing, the ED asserted that the ration distribution scam involved widespread corruption amounting to at least Rs 10,000 crore. Shockingly, the probe agency revealed that a significant portion of this sum, nearly Rs 2,000 crore, was siphoned off to Dubai through Adhya’s company.

The Enforcement Directorate disclosed that Shankar Adhya’s involvement surfaced through a letter from the arrested former Food Minister, Jyotipriya Mallick, who is also implicated in the ration corruption case.

Foreign Exchange Firms And The Web Of Smuggling

In response to queries from the court, the ED unveiled that as many as 90 foreign exchange firms connected to Adhya had been identified. Approximately Rs 2,000 crore was allegedly exchanged and sent abroad through these firms, primarily situated in border areas. The ED raised concerns in court about the potential misuse of these funds, questioning the likelihood of “anti-national activities.”

Attack On ED After Adhya’s Arrest

Following the arrest of Shankar Adhya, his supporters reportedly attempted to obstruct ED officials from taking him into custody. The situation escalated as supporters, led by women, tried to impede the officers, even resorting to stone-throwing. The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel accompanying the ED officials intervened to bring the situation under control.

This incident marked the second attack on the agency, reminiscent of the one in Sandeshkhali in the neighboring South 24 Parganas district during a raid at the residence of TMC leader Sahajahan Sheikh in the same case. The challenges faced by the ED highlight the gravity of the allegations and the tense atmosphere surrounding the unfolding investigation.