Bengal Ration Scam: ED Conducts Searches at Nine Locations Linked to Rice Traders
ED Probes Alleged Diversion of PDS Wheat
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has initiated searches at nine locations in West Bengal as part of a money-laundering investigation concerning the alleged large-scale diversion of Public Distribution System (PDS) wheat intended for welfare programs. These searches took place in the North 24 Parganas district, specifically targeting the residences of three businessmen identified as rice traders Sagar Saha, Partha Saha, and Samir Chandra Kumar.
ED officials, assisted by central forces, have conducted operations at five sites in Habra, three in Burdwan, and one in Kolkata. The agency’s actions are part of a broader investigation under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), focusing on premises linked to suppliers and exporters associated with businessman Nirajan Chandra Saha.
Background of the Investigation
This investigation is rooted in a First Information Report (FIR) filed on October 23, 2020, at the Basirhat police station. The FIR stemmed from a complaint by the deputy commissioner of Customs at Ghojadanga LCS, alleging significant diversion of PDS wheat. Subsequent inquiries by the ED indicated that the accused had employed a systematic approach to divert the wheat from authorized supply channels.
According to findings, the wheat was allegedly acquired at low prices through unauthorized means by colluding with suppliers, licensed distributors, and middlemen. Large amounts were then illicitly removed from the supply chain and consolidated at several locations. To further obscure the wheat’s origins, it is claimed that the accused reversed or removed original gunny bags marked with Food Corporation of India (FCI) and state government identifiers, refilling them to misrepresent the PDS wheat as legitimate stock. This action allegedly resulted in the unlawful enrichment of the individuals involved and the accumulation of proceeds of crime.
Previous Investigations and Arrests
In the months leading up to the 2021 Assembly elections, it was reported that 175 vehicles of rice and wheat were being smuggled into Bangladesh via the Ghojadanga border in Basirhat when the goods were seized. In response to this incident, the ED conducted a search at the home of rice trader Niranjan Saha in Habra.
Notably, the ED arrested Trinamool Congress (TMC) minister Jyotipriya Mallick, who previously served as the state’s food and supplies minister and later as forest minister, on October 27, 2023. Mallick is implicated in an alleged ration distribution scam estimated at Rs 9,000 to Rs 10,000 crore. Following his arrest, he faced accusations of orchestrating kickbacks through various family member-owned companies. Mallick was granted bail in January 2025 after spending 14 months in custody.
Political Context
The ED’s recent searches occur just days after the first phase of the Assembly elections in West Bengal, which took place on April 23, 2026. The second phase of polling is scheduled for April 29, heightening the scrutiny surrounding the ongoing investigations and political activities in the state.
As the ED continues its investigation into the allegations of corruption and diversion of essential food supplies, public attention remains focused on both the operatives involved and the implications for regional governance during this critical electoral period.
