The Enforcement Directorate (ED) recently faced a perilous situation in Sandeshkhali, North 24 Parganas district, West Bengal. On Friday, 5th January, during a joint operation with the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and journalists, the ED team experienced a violent attack. Their vehicles were targeted by a large mob during a raid on a Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader's premises.

The ED's statement sheds light on the severity of the incident: a mob comprising 800-1000 people attacked the team, armed with sticks and stones. The probe agency emphasized the dangerous intentions of the mob, stating that the assailants attacked "with an intention to cause death." This highlights the high-risk environment the ED and CRPF personnel found themselves in, facing a large and aggressive crowd.

The situation escalated rapidly, as described by the ED: “As officers with the assistance of CRPF Personnel were trying to pursue to get door opened even by trying to contact the concerned person. At the time, his mobile location indicated that he was inside this house. Thereafter, ED team was taken by surprise that within half an hour, crowd/mob of around 800-1000 persons marching towards them with weapons in their hands such as lathis, stones, bricks etc. and gheraoed the ED officials and CRPF personnel.” This account reveals the sudden and overwhelming nature of the attack, with the ED team and CRPF personnel surrounded and outnumbered.

The ED further detailed the mob's actions: “Suddenly, they started attacking the ED officials and CRPF personnel and started pelting stones and brick at them and attacked the officers as well as CRPF personnel (27 in Nos in two premises) with stones/lathis/hands (using physical force) and also raising/shouting slogans against the ED officers and the Central Government,” adding that the attackers also damaged ED’s vehicles. This portrays a scene of chaos and hostility, with the officials and personnel being physically assaulted and their vehicles vandalized.

In a concerning development, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has suggested that the mob attack on its officials might have been incited by Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Shahjahan Sheikh and his associates. This allegation adds a layer of political intrigue to the already tense situation. The ED's investigation into the incident in Sandeshkhali, North 24 Parganas district, West Bengal, has taken a dramatic turn with this revelation.

The probe agency reported that three of its officials sustained serious injuries due to the mob's aggression. These officials have been admitted to a hospital for treatment, indicating the severity of the injuries they endured. This incident not only highlights the physical risks the officials faced but also the intense hostility of the situation they were in.

In addition to the physical assault, the mob's violence extended to theft and robbery. The ED officials, while performing their duties, were attacked and had their personal and official belongings stolen. This included laptops, mobile phones, wallets, cash, and other items. The theft of these items, particularly the officials' mobile phones and laptops, could have significant implications, potentially compromising sensitive information related to their work.

The ED's statement provides a detailed account of the ordeal: “ED officials while discharging their duties were badly attacked by crowds (suspected to be instigated by Sahajahan Sheikh and his associates). Three officers have suffered grievous injuries as the mob has marched towards the ED officials with an intention to cause death. They are receiving medical attention at the hospital. Other officers had to escape from the place of the incident without conducting a search to save their lives as the mob became very violent and even chased the officials so as to deter the officials from performing their official duty. The Mob also snatched/robbed/stole the personal/official belongings of the ED officials such as their mobile phones, laptop, cash, wallets, etc.” This statement paints a harrowing picture of the officials' desperate struggle for safety against a large, hostile crowd.

In the aftermath of the violent incident in Sandeshkhali, North 24 Parganas district, West Bengal, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has taken legal steps to address the situation. The agency has filed a complaint with the local police, calling for the registration of an FIR (First Information Report) and demanding action against the culprits involved in the attack on their team.

The ED provided more details about the incident on Friday. Through a communication channel referred to as X, the agency shared, “ED was conducting searches on the three premises of Sahajahan Sheikh, Convenor of TMC, North 24 Parganas in case of PDS scam of West Bengal. During the searches. On one of the premises, ED team with CRPF personnels was attacked by 800-1000 people with an intention to cause death as these people were carrying weapons such as Lathis, stones & bricks. In this incident 3 ED officials have been grievously injured. Injured ED officials are being admitted to hospital for treatment. Violent mob also snatched/robbed/stole personal/officials belongings of ED officials such as their mobile phones, laptop, cash, wallets, etc. and badly damaged some of the ED vehicles.” This statement reiterates the perilous circumstances faced by the ED team, highlighting the intensity of the mob's aggression.

Furthermore, the violence was not limited to the ED officials. The situation also impacted members of the press who were present at the scene. It was reported that a journalist was also assaulted by the same violent mob. Specifically, a correspondent from News18 Bangla became a target, suffering damage to their vehicle and having their camera equipment broken. This attack on a journalist adds another layer of concern to the incident, as it represents a threat to press freedom and safety.

The attack's impact extended to the planned operation itself. Due to the assault by supporters of Shahjahan Sheikh, the TMC leader in question, the ED's raid could not be completed. This disruption of official law enforcement activities raises questions about the ability to conduct such operations in the face of hostile and violent opposition.

In a significant move, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted a raid on 26th October at the residence of Jyoti Priya Mallick, a prominent political figure in West Bengal. This raid was part of an investigation into a corruption case concerning the distribution of rations. Mallick, a senior leader of the Trinamool Congress (TMC), currently serves as the forest minister of Bengal and has previously held the position of food minister.

The raid on Mallick's residence is a critical development in the ongoing investigation into the Public Distribution System (PDS) scam. The PDS scam involves allegations of corruption in the distribution of essential goods, which are supposed to be provided at subsidized rates to the needy. As a former food minister, Mallick's role is of particular interest in this case.

In reaction to the ED's actions, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed strong disapproval. She criticized the central agency for its raid, suggesting that such actions were politically motivated. Banerjee accused the BJP-led central government of utilizing these raids as part of a “broader strategy” in the lead-up to the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. This statement implies that she perceives the ED's investigations as being influenced by political considerations, rather than being purely driven by legal and ethical imperatives.

In a development that adds another layer to the Public Distribution System (PDS) scam investigation, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has uncovered significant financial transactions involving the family of West Bengal Minister Jyoti Priya Mallick. This discovery raises questions about the sources of these funds and their legality.

Mallick's daughter, Priyadarshini, who works as a school teacher with an annual salary of Rs 2.48 lakhs, reportedly deposited a substantial amount of money into her bank account following the 2016 demonetisation in India. The amount, which totals Rs 3.37 crores, is unusually high, considering her declared income from her profession. During her interrogation by the ED, Priyadarshini claimed that this money was earned as tuition fees. This explanation has drawn scrutiny, given the significant discrepancy between her salary as a teacher and the large sum deposited in her account.

Furthermore, the ED's investigation revealed another large deposit in the bank account belonging to Mallick's wife, Mandipa. An amount of Rs 4.3 crores was found in her IDBI bank account, adding to the intrigue surrounding the family's financial dealings. The source of these funds is unclear and is likely a focus of the ongoing investigation by the ED.

In a major development, the ED arrested Jyoti Priya Mallick over allegations of laundering a staggering Rs 95 crores using shell companies. This accusation points to the possible creation and use of companies that exist only on paper to facilitate illegal financial transactions. The arrest of Mallick is a significant step in the investigation, suggesting that the ED may have gathered substantial evidence linking him to the alleged money laundering activities.