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ED conducts searches at 9 sites in 2020 PDS money laundering case in West Bengal
The Enforcement Directorate conducted searches at nine premises in Kolkata, Burdwan and North 24 Parganas under the PMLA in connection with a 2020 Public Distribution System money laundering case. The probe traces to an October 2020 FIR and涉及 alleged large-scale diversion of PDS grain, with political links and significant monetary implications.
Why It Matters
The case involves alleged manipulation of the public distribution system in a politically sensitive state, with potential impact on food security and public trust during elections.
Timeline
8 Events
Remaining seats go to polls
April 29, 2026
The remaining 142 assembly seats were scheduled to go to polls on April 29, 2026.
ED searches nine premises under PMLA
April 25, 2026
The ED searched nine premises linked to suppliers and exporters across Kolkata, Burdwan and North 24 Parganas under the PMLA in the 2020 PDS money laundering case.
First phase of West Bengal assembly polls
April 23, 2026
The first phase of the West Bengal assembly elections was held, with 152 assembly constituencies voting.
Mallick fielded by TMC in Habra for 2026 polls
2026
Jyoti Priya Mallick was fielded by the TMC from the Habra assembly constituency in North 24 Parganas for the 2026 assembly polls.
Bail granted to Mallick
January 2025
Jyoti Priya Mallick was granted bail by a court in January 2025.
ED reports case value to court
January 2024
In January 2024, ED informed a Kolkata court that the case involved around ₹20,000 crore.
Arrest of Jyoti Priya Mallick
October 2023
Jyoti Priya Mallick, a senior Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader and former West Bengal food minister, was arrested by the ED in October 2023 as part of the case.
FIR lodged triggering ED probe
October 23, 2020
An FIR was lodged on October 23, 2020 at Basirhat police station in North 24 Parganas by a customs department officer, initiating the ED's probe into alleged large-scale diversion of food grains from the Public Distribution System (PDS).