THE JHARKHAND STORY DESK
Kolkata, Jan 6: In connection with the alleged ration scam in West Bengal, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) arrested Shankar Adhya, the former chairman of Bongaon Municipality, in the early hours of Saturday, officials stated.
Following searches by the agency at properties connected to him and his family, Adhya, a TMC leader in the North 24 Parganas district, was arrested from his Simultola home in Bongaon. The officials stated that these searches lasted for at least 17 hours on Friday.
ED raided Adhya’s in-laws, associates as well
The ED had searched the TMC leader’s properties, as well as the homes of his in-laws, acquaintances, and an ice cream factory connected to them.
In addition to documents, the Enforcement Directorate confiscated approximately Rs 8 lakh in cash from the in-laws’ residence, as mentioned by the official.
Adhya is believed to have a close association with state minister Jyotipriyo Mallick, who was apprehended in connection with the purported scam last year.
Also Read- TMC leader’s supporters attack ED officers during ration scam raid in West Bengal
Supporters obstruct ED
After his apprehension, his followers reportedly attempted to obstruct the investigators from escorting him and even threw stones at their vehicles. To restore order, the CRPF personnel accompanying the ED team had to use batons to disperse the unruly crowd.
“Along with the searches, Adhya was also being questioned. He was arrested as his replies were not satisfactory,” an officer of ED officer stated.
“After the arrest, his supporters, led by women, tried to stop the officers from taking him along with them. The accompanying CRPF personnel brought the situation under control,” the officer added.
Adhya told reporters shortly after his arrest that, “I’ll cooperate with the ED and will help them in every possible way.”
He was taken to the Salt Lake ED office in the early hours and will appear in court in Kolkata later today.
