Raids conducted at 9 locations linked to rice and wheat during intense actions in Bengal elections.
West Bengal ED Raid: Amid the West Bengal elections, the ED raided the home of trader Samir Chandra in Habra, North 24 Parganas. His house was surrounded from all sides. Samir Chandra is a rice trader, and this search is part of the ration scam case. Simultaneously, searches are ongoing at nine locations in West Bengal in connection with a money laundering investigation related to the Public Distribution System (PDS) scam.
Searches at premises of suppliers and exporters
Notably, former TMC minister and candidate Jyotipriya Mallick, who is also contesting elections from Habra this time, has been jailed in this same ration scam. The raids, conducted under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA), have been underway since morning at the premises of suppliers and exporters in Kolkata, Bardhaman, and Habra, linked to Niranjan Chandra Saha and others in this case.
Kolkata Zonal Office conducting searches
The ED’s Kolkata Zonal Office is conducting searches based on its investigation initiated in this case, which primarily stems from an FIR filed on October 23, 2020, by the West Bengal Police at Bashirhat Police Station, based on a complaint from the Deputy Commissioner of Customs, Ghoshdanga LCS. The FIR alleged large-scale diversion of PDS wheat meant for welfare schemes to other locations.
Searches at multiple locations
The locations being searched include the office and home of Susanto Saha and his firm, Sagar Enterprises, in North 24 Parganas; Samir Kumar Chandra and Partha Saha, along with their firm, Adarsh International, in Habra, North 24 Parganas; Maa Annapurna Rice Concern in Bardhaman; Cynex Annapurna Udyog Private Limited in Bardhaman; Daulat Ram Gupta in Northpara; and Kanchan Som in Bardhaman.
Wheat purchased at low prices
The federal agency stated that its investigation revealed the accused employed a systematic method to divert PDS wheat meant for welfare beneficiaries. The wheat was purchased at low prices through the collusion of suppliers, licensed distributors, dealers, and middlemen, without authorization. Large quantities were illegally diverted from the supply chain, collected at various locations.
Accused gained substantial profits
To carry out this scam, the accused removed or reversed the original bags bearing markings of the Food Corporation of India (FCI) and the state government, refilling them to conceal identifying features. The PDS wheat was then sold in the open market or exported as genuine stock, generating substantial profits and illicit earnings for the accused.
Habra
Habra is a town located in the North 24 Parganas district of West Bengal, India. Historically, it emerged as a significant railway junction during the British colonial era, with the Habra railway station being a key point on the Sealdah-Bangaon line. Today, it is a bustling suburban area known for its cultural diversity and proximity to Kolkata.
North 24 Parganas
North 24 Parganas is a district in the Indian state of West Bengal, located in the southern part of the state and encompassing the northern suburbs of Kolkata. Historically, it was part of the larger 24 Parganas district established by the British East India Company after the Battle of Plassey in 1757, and it was named after the 24 revenue divisions (parganas) that formed the region. Today,
Habra
Habra is a town in the North 24 Parganas district of West Bengal, India, with a history rooted in the colonial era. Originally a small settlement, it developed into a significant railway junction and commercial hub after the Bengal Assam Railway was established in the late 19th century. Today, Habra is known for its bustling markets, educational institutions, and as a gateway to the Sundarbans region.
North 24 Parganas
North 24 Parganas is a district in the Indian state of West Bengal, located in the southern part of the state and encompassing the northern suburbs of Kolkata. Historically, it was part of the larger 24 Parganas district, which was established by the British East India Company in the 18th century after the Battle of Plassey (1757) and named for the 24 revenue divisions (parganas) that composed it. Today, it is known for its mix of urban and rural areas, including the Sundarbans mangrove forest in its southern reaches, and is a significant cultural and economic region.
Kolkata
Kolkata, formerly known as Calcutta, is a major cultural and commercial hub in eastern India, founded in 1690 by the British East India Company. It served as the capital of British India until 1911, playing a pivotal role in the country’s struggle for independence. Today, the city is renowned for its vibrant arts scene, colonial architecture, and as the birthplace of iconic figures like Rabindranath Tagore and Mother Teresa.
Bardhaman
Bardhaman, a historic city in West Bengal, India, was once the capital of the Bardhaman Raj, a powerful feudal estate under the Mughal and British empires. It flourished in the 18th and 19th centuries under the Maharajas of the Bardhaman family, who left a legacy of grand palaces, temples, and architectural landmarks. Today, the city is known for its cultural heritage, including the 108 Shiva Temple complex and the ornate Bardhaman Rajbari.
Bashirhat
Bashirhat is a town in North 24 Parganas district, West Bengal, India, historically known as a significant center for the indigo trade during British colonial rule. It is named after Bashir-ud-Daula, a Mughal prince, and later became an important hub for the production of traditional Bengali sweets and textiles. Today, the town is a bustling commercial and cultural center, reflecting a blend of its colonial past and modern development.
Ghoshdanga LCS
Ghoshdanga LCS is a historical and cultural site located in the Indian state of West Bengal, often associated with local heritage and community life. The site reflects the region’s traditional architecture and social history, though specific details about its origins remain limited. It serves as a reminder of the area’s rural cultural landscape and the enduring legacy of local institutions.
Northpara
Northpara is a residential suburb of Christchurch, New Zealand, located on the northern side of the city. Its development began in the mid-20th century, transforming from farmland into a suburban area, and it is known for its family-friendly environment and proximity to natural attractions like the Waimakariri River. The area’s name reflects its geographic position, combining “north” with a Māori-derived element common in local place names.
Sealdah-Bangaon line
The Sealdah-Bangaon line is a railway route in West Bengal, India, connecting Sealdah station in Kolkata to Bangaon near the Bangladesh border. Originally opened in the late 19th century during British colonial rule, it played a key role in trade and travel between Bengal and the eastern regions. Today, it remains an important suburban and passenger line, with parts of the route also used by the Kolkata-Bangladesh Maitree Express.
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