Sandeshkhali: ED raids residences of businessmen with ‘close links’ to Shajahan Sheikh

Kolkata: The ED on Thursday conducted raids at the residences of two businessmen with “close links” to arrested TMC leader Shajahan Sheikh, in West Bengal’s Sandeshkhali, in connection with an alleged ration distribution scam, an official said.

Sleuths of the probe agency also raided a marketplace owned by one of the businessmen, he said.

The CBI has taken over investigation in three cases related to incidents on January 5, when ED officials were attacked by a 1,000-strong mob when they went to search the premises of Sheikh at Sandeshkhali in North 24 Parganas district in connection with the scam.

Sheikh is under the custody of the Central Bureau of Investigation.

“These two businessmen had helped Sheikh in siphoning money meant for ration distribution, and used the funds in fish trade,” the ED official said.

The Enforcement Directorate is also investigating their role in the attack on its officers, he said.

Sheikh, who has been suspended by the TMC, was arrested by the state police on February 29.

Sheikh and his aides have been accused of land-grabbing and sexual harassment in Sandeshkhali.