ED Seeks to Cancel Bail of Jyoti Priya Mallick and Aide in Kolkata Ration Scam Case
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is back in action, urging the Calcutta High Court to revoke the bail of former West Bengal minister Jyoti Priya Mallick and his close associate Anisur Rahman. This move comes amid the ongoing probe into the massive ration distribution scam that rocked the state during the COVID-19 lockdown.
ED officials filed the plea in the High Court on Wednesday, highlighting fresh concerns over the duo’s release. For context, the ED arrested Trinamool Congress leader Jyoti Priya Mallick—affectionately called "Balu" by party insiders—back on October 27, 2023. They accused him of playing a key role in corrupt practices that tainted the ration supply system, leaving many without essential food aid during tough times.
After intense questioning and gathering solid evidence, Mallick spent about 14 months behind bars. In January this year, the court finally granted him bail. Just a week later, Anisur Rahman, another key accused in the same ration scam, also walked free on bail.
But the ED isn’t convinced. They worry that with Mallick and Rahman out, they might tamper with the investigation. "These accused could pressure witnesses or even destroy crucial documents," ED sources told the court. The probe into the ration distribution irregularities is still in early stages, and officials believe the financial irregularities could run into thousands of crores of rupees. Keeping them free, they argue, risks derailing the entire process.
On the flip side, Mallick’s legal team counters that they haven’t received key case documents yet. Mallick, who stepped away from public life briefly after jail due to health issues, is now back in the saddle. He’s actively handling party work in North 24 Parganas district as the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections approach. Recently, he visited his Habra constituency and even dropped by the party office on Camac Street to meet All India Trinamool Congress General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee for an important discussion.
As the court weighs the ED’s bail cancellation plea in this high-profile Kolkata ration scam, all eyes are on how it unfolds. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.
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