Kolkata, 27 October: In the much-discussed ration distribution rigging case in West Bengal, the Central Enforcement Directorate (ED) has arrested the state’s former Food Minister and current Forest Minister, Jyotipriya Mallick, at 3:00 pm. ED officials confirmed this this morning.
He said that he was arrested after more than 20 hours of search operations and interrogation. It is alleged that he tried to mislead the investigating officers and was trying to avoid many questions during interrogation. After this, he was arrested, accused of non-cooperation in the investigation.
ED raided his house on Thursday morning. After being arrested at 3:00 pm, he was taken to the ED office at the CGO Complex under the protection of central forces. Today he will be presented in court.
Mallick spoke to the media while entering the CGO complex. He said that I had been the victim of a serious conspiracy.
It is noteworthy that the ED raided two flats of Forest Minister Mallick located in the Salt Lake area of Kolkata. The residence of his former personal assistant in Dumdum and some other places were also searched. The Central Investigation Agency has arrested a businessman named Bakibur Rahman in this case.
