In a significant development, former Bongaon Municipality chairman Shankar Adhya has been arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with an alleged ration distribution scam in West Bengal. The arrest follows an attack on ED officials on Thursday night in North 24 Parganas district while they were en route to raid the residences of Adhya and Trinamool Congress leader Sheikh Shahjahan in connection with the ration case.
Videos posted by news agencies show Adhya purportedly being taken away by ED officials in a vehicle surrounded by a large crowd. On Friday night, the ED team raided the residence of Adhya’s father-in-law. Sheikh Shahjahan, the fisheries and animal resources officer of North 24 Parganas Zilla Parishad and Block President of Sandeshkhali 1, is also associated with Jyotipriyo Mullick, the state food minister arrested by the ED in October.
During the attack on ED officials, the mob, consisting of 800-1,000 people, pelted stones, bricks, and sticks, injuring three officers. The incident prompted condemnation, with the state governor seeking a report on the matter. The BJP criticized Mamata Banerjee, alleging a breakdown of law and order in the state. Union ministers condemned the attack as an assault on the Constitution and the nation’s federal structure. The TMC, however, dismissed the allegations, claiming that central agency officials incited locals, leading to the situation.
The ED had previously arrested Jyotipriyo Mullick in connection with the ration case, adding another layer of complexity to the unfolding events. As the situation evolves, political tensions rise in West Bengal, highlighting the challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in carrying out their duties.
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