KOLKATA: Shortly after the arrest of West Bengal minister Jyotipriya Mallick in connection with the multi-crore ration distribution scam, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) took action to freeze his bank accounts, as well as those belonging to his wife and daughter, and seized his mobile phones for forensic examination, according to a senior officer.
The ED has instructed bank authorities to freeze the accounts of the minister, his wife, and daughter and is also investigating whether there are additional bank accounts associated with the minister or his family.
During their searches, the ED officers discovered official rubber stamps of several private companies.
The initial investigation indicated that Mallick's wife and daughter held directorial positions in three companies allegedly involved in "routing" funds in the scam.
During raids and searches at the residence of one of Mallick's close aides in neighboring Howrah, ED officers seized a diary containing transaction details related to the scam.
The investigation has also revealed the names of three companies that granted a significant amount of unrepaid loans to Mallick.
The central agency has also uncovered documents and savings bank accounts belonging to individuals employed as domestic help at the minister's residence.
In addition to bank accounts, the ED found documents related to several "bogus" companies established to redirect funds and black money.
These bogus companies and savings accounts were opened while Mallick held the position of state food supplies minister, and it is believed that they were used in connection with the scam.
Mallick served as the food supplies minister from 2011 to 2021 before assuming the role of forest affairs and non-conventional and renewable energy minister.
In addition to the minister, the ED has arrested several individuals for their alleged involvement in the multi-crore scam.
(With agency inputs)
