In a significant development, the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) has apprehended former Bongaon municipality chairperson Shankar Adhya in connection with an alleged Bengal ration distribution scam. This follows the arrest of TMC leader Jyotipriya Mullick in the same case.
Shankar Adhya was taken into custody after an extensive search of his premises in North 24 Parganas, West Bengal. The ED’s actions faced resistance as its team was attacked in Sandeshkhali village, resulting in injuries to two officials and damage to their vehicles.
The incident prompted a strong reaction from the BJP, criticizing the law and order situation under Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s leadership. State BJP president Sukanta Majumdar has urged Union Home Minister Amit Shah to initiate an NIA probe into the attack.
Congress, a TMC ally, surprisingly condemned the ruling party, with state chief Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury expressing concerns about the lack of law and order in Bengal. He stated that he wouldn’t be surprised if a central official was ‘murdered’ in the state someday.
TMC MP Santanu Sen countered the allegations, claiming that ED officials ‘provoked’ locals, leading to the violent reaction. The incident has sparked political tensions, with demands for an impartial investigation and concerns about the overall law and order situation in the state.