Nineteen days after an Enforcement Directorate (ED) team faced assault by a mob, federal agency sleuths once again conducted a raid at the residence of absconding Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Shahjahan Sheikh in North 24 Parganas district on Wednesday morning.
This operation is part of the agency’s investigation into the multi-crore ration distribution scam, according to an officer.
Accompanied by more than 120 personnel from the central armed police force, the ED officers forcibly entered Sheikh’s residence in the Sandeshkhali area. The collapsible gate was broken open in the presence of local police and two locals serving as witnesses, the officer stated. “We are searching Sheikh’s house today. We will also try to talk to the residents there,” informed the ED officer. Upon entry, the Enforcement Directorate officers secured the gates from inside and initiated searches, he added.
On January 5, a team of Enforcement Directorate officers faced an assault by a mob while attempting to enter the residence of the TMC leader. Three officers sustained injuries during the attack. Following the incident, the district police and Sheikh’s family members filed a complaint against the Enforcement Directorate officers.
As of now, Sheikh remains absconding.