In a startling incident in West Bengal, an Enforcement Directorate (ED) team faced a violent assault during a raid, in relation with the Ration Scam, in the North 24 Parganas district on Friday morning.
The attack unfolded in Sandeshkhali village, reportedly owned by TMC leader Shahjahan Sheikh. Over 100 villagers allegedly exhibited hostility towards the ED team, hindering their operations.
Reports indicate that the ED team had arrived to conduct raids on properties linked to a suspected ration scam. The villagers surrounded the team, vandalized officials’ car screens, and obstructed their investigative activities. A member of the ED team recounted, “Eight people came to the spot. We three moved from the incident spot. When we came, they attacked us.”
The assault occurred during the raid of the residence of TMC leaders Shahjahan Sheikh and Shankar Adhya, and their family members. The incident led to damage to the officials’ vehicle and forced the ED team to abandon the operation and retreat to Kolkata.
State food minister Jyoti Priya Mallick has already been arrested in connection with the alleged scam. As per Hindustan Times, a crowd of hundreds gathered at the scene, shouting slogans as the NIA team attempted to enter Shahjahan Sheikh’s house. The mob not only attacked officials but also damaged their vehicle. There is no confirmation on whether Sheikh or his family members were present during the attack.
Residents informed the media, “ED officials were attacked, and a vehicle was damaged. Even the media was attacked. ED officials had to flee from the spot.” The situation prompted BJP MP Jagannath Sarkar to demand the declaration of an emergency in West Bengal, expressing concern over the escalating violence and the apparent failure of democracy in the state. Sarkar emphasized the need to remove the government and impose an emergency to restore order and prevent future attacks on ED teams.
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