The Enforcement Directorate (ED) arrested Bongaon Municipality's former chairman
Shankar Adhya on Saturday morning in connection with the alleged ration scam in
West Bengal. As per sources, Shankar Adhya, a TMC leader in the North 24
Parganas district, was arrested from his residence in Simultola in Bongaon. Earlier on
Friday, searches were conducted by the ED at properties that are linked to him and
members of his family. These searches went on for more than 12 hours.
Followers Try To Block ED From Taking Adhya Away
Following the arrest, his supporters, led by women, allegedly tried to block the ED
officials from taking him away with them. Stones were hurled at their vehicles.
Accompanying CRPF personnel had to baton-charge the mob to bring the situation
under control, it was reported.
"Along with the searches, Adhya was also being questioned. He was arrested as his
replies were not satisfactory," an official of the investigating agency said. “His
supporters, led by women, tried to prevent us to taking him away after the arrest.
Stones were hurled. The CRPF personnel accompanying our team had to bring the
situation under control," he said.
This is the second attack on the Enforcement Directorate officials. The one in
Sandeshkhali in South 24 Parganas North on Friday left officials on duty injured and
their vehicles vandalised. The ED said three of its officers suffered "grievous" injuries
during a raid at the residence of TMC leader Sahajahan Sheikh. The mob also
snatched away their personal belongings, like mobile phones and wallets.
INR 8 Lakh Cash Recovered From Adhya’s In-Laws’ Residence
Adhya is said to be close to state minister Jyotipriyo Mallick arrested in connection
with the alleged scam last year. Along with properties that belong to him, searches
were conducted by the ED at residences of his in-laws, his associates, and an ice
cream factory linked to the family. Besides documents, the agency seized around INR
8 lakh in cash from the residence of the in-laws, the officer said.
After his arrest, Adhya told media persons, "I'll cooperate with the ED and help in
every possible way."
Bengali