ED Calls Rice Trader Barik Biswas Over Bengal Ration Scam Investigation
Synopsis
The Enforcement Directorate intensifies its investigation into West Bengal's ration scam by summoning rice trader Barik Biswas. With ties to a former minister and accusations of smuggling, this case reveals deep-rooted corruption during the pandemic. What new revelations will emerge?
Key Takeaways
ED summons trader Barik Biswas in West Bengal ration scam investigation.
Connections to former minister Jyotipriya Mallick raise concerns.
Evidence of corruption includes recovery of Rs 20 lakh.
Investigation into smuggling operations to Bangladesh is ongoing.
The case reflects widespread corruption during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Kolkata, April 20 (NationPress) The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has issued a summons to trader Barik Biswas as part of its ongoing investigation into the ration scam in West Bengal, according to officials from the central investigation agency on Monday.
Barik Biswas is required to appear at the ED's CGO Complex office located in the Salt Lake area of the city on Monday afternoon. Officials have indicated that this rice trader has close ties to former state food minister Jyotipriya Mallick.
In a related incident, the ED conducted searches at Barik Biswas's residence in August 2024, looking into his connections and role in the massive money transactions associated with the ration scam.
During the search, the ED recovered Rs 20 lakh and discovered numerous documents from his rice mill. After two years, Barik Biswas finds himself once again under the ED's scrutiny. He faces allegations of attempting to smuggle rice into Bangladesh. Investigators are delving into the network behind the smuggling operations and are seeking to identify any international connections involved. Barik has been summoned for further questioning to uncover these details.
Previously, Barik Biswas's name had surfaced in cases related to gold and cow smuggling. The central agency has previously searched his home, an apartment, and an office. The Enforcement Directorate is now keen to extract more information regarding the ration case through questioning Barik Biswas.
It is important to note that on October 27, 2023, the ED arrested senior Trinamool Congress leader and then state Forest Minister Jyotipriya Mallick in connection with the ration scam.
The central investigation agency reported that the state minister, known informally as 'Balu', was implicated in extensive corruption concerning the distribution of rations during the COVID-19 lockdown. His arrest followed an interrogation and the accumulation of evidence. After around 14 months, the court granted him bail in January of the previous year. Just a week following his release, his associate Anisur, who was also implicated in the same case, received bail as well.
Point of View
It is crucial to address the layers of corruption that have emerged in the ration distribution system during the pandemic. The implications of Barik Biswas's connections and the ED's findings could have significant ramifications for accountability in governmental operations.
NationPress
30 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Barik Biswas?
Barik Biswas is a rice trader in West Bengal, currently under investigation by the Enforcement Directorate for his alleged involvement in a ration scam.
What is the ration scam in West Bengal?
The ration scam refers to widespread corruption in the distribution of essential food supplies during the COVID-19 pandemic, impacting vulnerable populations.
What are the allegations against Barik Biswas?
Barik Biswas is accused of being involved in smuggling rice to Bangladesh and has been summoned for questioning regarding his role in the ration scam.
What happened to Jyotipriya Mallick?
Jyotipriya Mallick, a senior Trinamool Congress leader, was arrested by the ED for his direct involvement in the ration scam and was granted bail after 14 months.
What evidence did the ED find during their searches?
The ED recovered Rs 20 lakh and numerous documents from Barik Biswas's rice mill during their investigation into the ration scam.
