In a sprawling investigation into the Public Distribution System (PDS) Scam, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) delved into the intricate web of fraudulent activities, uncovering a series of modus operandi that laid bare the extent of the financial malfeasance. Initiated based on several FIRs registered by the West Bengal Police, the ED’s inquiry revealed three crucial pathways through which the alleged Proceeds of Crime (PoC) were generated.
The first modus operandi exposed the collusion between various Rice Mills, PDS distributors, and dealers, resulting in the unauthorized possession of PDS ration. These entities, driven by their own interests, siphoned off a staggering 25.55% of the total atta meant for PDS Distributors, causing substantial gains for themselves and corresponding losses to government funds and intended PDS beneficiaries.
The second modus operandi involved Rice Mills buying back PDS atta delivered to dealers, mixing it with fresh atta, and allegedly siphoning off corresponding quantities of wheat, thus compromising both the financial integrity and quality of the atta delivered.
The third revealed the generation of PoC under the guise of paddy procurement in the name of fake farmers, wherein millers controlled cooperative societies and used the names of employees and relatives as “fake farmers” to receive payments at Minimum Support Price (MSP).
As the investigation unfolded, it became evident that key figures in the scam, including Jyoti Priya Mallick, the Minister-In-Charge of Forest Affairs and Non-Conventional and Renewable Energy Sources in the Government of West Bengal, played a pivotal role in laundering the PoC. Individuals involved in the scam channelled the illicit gains through various companies, invested in immovable properties, and transferred part of the proceeds to companies allegedly under the control and beneficial ownership of Mallick.
In a significant turn of events on January 5, 2024, during the course of further investigation, the ED encountered a violent confrontation that added a new layer of complexity to the already intricate case. Mallick, attempting to evade justice, allegedly laundered PoC through his close associates, some of whom were engaged in the business of Full-Fledged Money Changers (FFMC).
The incident unfolded when the ED’s search team arrived at the premises associated with Sahajahan Sheikh, the Convenor of TMC Sandesh Khali, North 24 Parganas. While the team successfully gained entry into two premises, the residence of Sahajahan Sheikh posed a challenge as the door was locked from inside, and he refused to open it.
Attempts to contact him were futile, and his mobile location indicated his presence inside the house. Suddenly, a mob of approximately 800-1000 individuals, armed with lathis, stones, bricks, and other weapons, marched towards the ED officials and CRPF personnel.
The situation escalated quickly as the mob, suspected to be incited by Sheikh and his associates, attacked the ED officials and CRPF personnel. Stones and bricks were pelted, and physical assaults ensued, resulting in severe injuries to three officers. The mob, displaying an intent to cause harm, chased the officials and damaged ED vehicles. The violence reached a point where the officials had to abandon the search operation to safeguard their lives.
In addition to the physical harm inflicted, the mob robbed the ED officials of their personal and official belongings, including mobile phones, laptops, cash, and wallets. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, the ED promptly filed a complaint with the jurisdictional police, seeking the registration of an FIR and necessary action against the perpetrators.
This incident on January 5, 2024, serves as a stark reminder of the challenges and risks faced by law enforcement agencies in the pursuit of justice, particularly in complex financial crime cases. The PDS Scam, with its multifaceted layers of financial deceit and violent obstruction, underscores the need for a resilient and determined approach to unravelling such intricate webs of corruption and ensuring that those responsible are brought to justice.
As the investigation continues, the true extent of the PDS Scam and its far-reaching consequences on government funds and public welfare is gradually coming to light.
