Kolkata: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has arrested Bengal Forest Minister Jyotipriya Mallick in connection with the ration scam case. The ED had conducted a search at Mallick’s residence the previous day, and subsequently, he was taken into ED custody and interrogated, leading to his arrest.
Prominent businessman Bakibur Rahman was also arrested in connection with the case. The investigation focused on Rahman ultimately led to the involvement of Jyotipriya Mallick, who is also the former Minister of the Food Department. The ED raids that commenced at dawn yesterday at locations associated with Mallick are ongoing.
Jyotipriya Mallick alleges that the BJP is targeting him and has stated to the media, before questioning, that he is a victim of a conspiracy.
Jyotipriya Mallick is a close confidant of Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. His arrest comes at a time when several leaders of the party are facing investigations in corruption cases. Though the Trinamool Congress is trying to defend itself by raising allegations of ‘conspiracy’, ED is responding with substantial evidence.
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