ED Raids TMC Leader Sheikh Shahjahan’s Residence

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has conducted raids at Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Sheikh Shahjahan’s residence in Sandeshkhali, West Bengal, this morning. The raids were conducted in connection with the alleged Public Distribution System (PDS) scam case.

The ED officials said that Shahjahan is presently running away. The central forces accompanied ED officials were during their operation. Earlier on January 5, when ED authorities attempted to search the TMC leader’s home in connection with the ration fraud investigation, more than 200 locals, all of whom were thought to be the leader’s supporters, encircled them and the armed paramilitary forces that were going with them.

After demonstrating and circling the officials, the loyalists attacked them and made them evacuate the area. When the TMC leader refused to unlock the gate despite repeated calls from the ED officials, they attacked the officers and attempted to break the lock. The incident resulted in injuries to two ED personnel.

As the TMC claimed that the people reacted to provocation from the central agency sleuths, the BJP vigorously defended the Mamata Banerjee government, claiming total control over law and order in the state.

Governor CV Ananda Bose attended Raj Bhaban with the state Home Secretary and DGP after taking a serious view of the situation and asking for the arrest of the TMC leader who was escaping as soon as possible. After all, the TMC leader is still up in the air some days later. A thorough report on the attacks has been requested by the West Bengal government and the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).