Days after a violent attack on Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials in West Bengal’s Sandeshkhali during a search of TMC leader Sahajahan Sheikh’s premises, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has released a video alleging a multi-crore ration distribution scam. The video was shared on social media, where the BJP criticized the Mamata Banerjee-led TMC government, claiming that the scam could not have occurred without the involvement of the state government.
The video alleges that an influential businessman, Bakibur Rahman, supplied rice and wheat to Fair Price Shops distributors in the state in quantities less than mandated. The BJP further claimed that Rahman was patronised by the former Food and Supplies Minister in the TMC government, Jyotipriya Mallick. Both Rahman and Mallick were reportedly arrested.
As the investigation unfolds, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee declined to comment on the Sandeshkhali incident and the subsequent escape of her party leader, Shahjahan Sheikh, stating that the matter is under investigation. In response to the attack on ED officials, the central probe agency issued a statement, mentioning that the officials sustained ‘grievous’ injuries and had their belongings, including mobile phones and cash, stolen. Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose and the BJP have criticized the incident, with the Governor condemning it and calling for an end to barbarism and vandalism in the state.
In conclusion, the alleged multi-crore ration distribution scam in West Bengal has sparked political tensions, as the investigation continues into the violent attack on Enforcement Directorate officials and the subsequent escape of a TMC leader. The allegations and criticisms brought forth by the BJP and the response from the state government and officials demonstrate the complexity and sensitivity of the situation.