The Enforcement Directorate (ED) initiated raids and search operations on Friday at various properties linked to Sheikh Shahjahan and his close associates following the registration of a new money laundering case.
According to sources, the new case was filed after investigators uncovered significant evidence regarding the investment of funds from an alleged ration distribution scam into the operation of pisciculture farms and the export of processed fish abroad. Shahjahan and his associates purportedly held a dominant position in this trade sector in Sandeshkhali.
The raid commenced at approximately 9:30 a.m., with six ED teams conducting simultaneous operations across six locations spanning Kolkata, Howrah, and North 24 Parganas district.
All the targeted properties are reportedly owned by individuals involved in the export of processed fish and maintain strong business ties with Sheikh Shahjahan.
Among the locations under scrutiny, one belongs to Partha Pratim Sengupta in the Hadalpara area of Howrah district, while another is owned by Arup Shom in Bijoygarh, South Kolkata. Both Sengupta and Shom are allegedly engaged in the export of processed prawn and shrimp and are said to have close associations with Shahjahan, the fugitive Trinamool Congress leader accused of masterminding the January 5 attack on ED and CAPF personnel.
Meanwhile, the ED issued a fresh summons to Shahjahan, instructing him to appear at the agency's Salt Lake office in the northern outskirts of Kolkata by the end of the week. Shahjahan had previously ignored three such notices and sought anticipatory bail through his legal representatives in various West Bengal courts.
The ED's investigation into the alleged ration distribution scam began in late 2023 under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). Subsequently, West Bengal Minister Jyotipriya Mallick was arrested, and a raid was conducted at Shahjahan's residence in Sandeshkhali on January 5.
Following the attack on its personnel, the ED filed a case in the Calcutta High Court, urging for an independent CBI probe into the incident. Now, the ED aims to intensify its scrutiny of Shahjahan and his associates by linking the proceeds from the alleged ration scam to their business operations through the registration of a fresh case.
Read also | Jaishankar Comments on China's Approach to Bilateral Relations: Expect Mind Games
Read also | Addressing Long-Term Challenges: Insights from CDS Gen Chauhan on China
