On Friday, the Enforcement Directorate conducted wide raids on nine places in West Bengal in relation to a so-called Public Distribution System (PDS)-scam. The raids, which were carried out in accordance with the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), started in the early morning and targeted locations associated with suppliers, exporters, and key suspects.
Officials claim that the move is a continuation of a current investigation of a First Information Report filed by West Bengal Police at Basirhat Police Station on October 23, 2020. The complaint was lodged by the Deputy Commissioner of Customs at Ghojadanga Land Customs Station, who alleged that there was massive diversion of wheat which was supposed to be used in welfare schemes under the PDS.
The raids were carried out in various places, which included Kolkata, Burdwan and Habra and involved the offices and homes of people, like Susanto Saha, Samir Kumar Chandra, Partha Saha and their respective companies. The others, which are subject to scrutiny, are Maa Annapurna Rice Concern and Cynax Annapurna Udyog Private Limited in Burdwan as well as various traders and intermediaries.
The ED claimed that its investigation has revealed a systematic network where PDS wheat was diverted out of supply chain illegally. The accused is accused of obtaining subsidised wheat via illegal means in cooperation with distributors, dealers and middlemen, and then hoarding the high volumes to sell illegally.
Government officials suspect that the fraud was conducted with huge financial anomalies and misuse of welfare funds which aimed at benefitting the needy. The money trail is being pursued and further research is currently being conducted to determine the number of other beneficiaries who are involved in the operation.