Enforcement Directorate Summons Nusrat Jahan Amid Ration Scam Ahead of Bengal Elections
Synopsis
In a significant move, the ED has summoned actress and former MP Nusrat Jahan for questioning related to a ration scam, raising political tensions in West Bengal just before crucial elections.
Key Takeaways
Nusrat Jahan summoned by the ED for questioning.
Summons issued one day before West Bengal Assembly elections .
Investigation linked to alleged ration scam during Covid-19.
Past allegations include involvement in a fraudulent housing scheme.
Trinamool Congress accuses BJP of political conspiracy.
Kolkata, April 20 (NationPress) The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has issued a summons to actress and former Trinamool Congress MP Nusrat Jahan concerning the ongoing ration scam investigation, as confirmed by officials from the central probe agency on Monday.
She is expected to attend the agency's CGO Complex office in Salt Lake on Wednesday (April 22) — just a day prior to the first phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections — for interrogation regarding the matter. However, Nusrat has yet to respond to the summons.
As per sources close to her, she is likely to reply soon. Furthermore, it has been reported that she may opt to appear at the ED’s headquarters in New Delhi instead of the Kolkata office.
During the lockdown caused by Covid-19, several trucks were confiscated in the border regions of West Bengal’s Basirhat on allegations of smuggling wheat and rice into Bangladesh. Nusrat was serving as the Basirhat MP during that period. ED officials have indicated that numerous names have emerged in the investigation of the alleged ration smuggling, and they plan to question her regarding the wheat smuggling activities.
It’s worth noting that just a few days ago, the Tollywood actress was abroad on vacation with her partner and fellow actor Yash Dasgupta. It remains unclear if she has returned to Kolkata.
Previously, the ED had interrogated Nusrat regarding a fraudulent housing scheme. In 2023, the former Trinamool MP from Basirhat was questioned for approximately six hours at the CGO Complex.
BJP leader Shankudeb Panda has accused the actress-MP of being involved in the alleged fraud and has filed a complaint with the ED. The chargesheet detailed that between 2014 and 2015, a company collected Rs 5.5 lakh from over 400 senior citizens, promising flats of about 1,000 square feet. However, neither were the flats delivered, nor was the money refunded. Nusrat was a director in that company, but she has refuted these claims.
Meanwhile, with the Assembly elections approaching in West Bengal, the ED has intensified its operations in various cases recently. The Trinamool Congress has labeled these actions as a “conspiracy” orchestrated by the BJP, alleging a misuse of central agencies against its leaders ahead of the elections.
Moreover, Trinamool MP and lawyer Kalyan Banerjee has approached the Calcutta High Court, asserting that around 800 party workers could face arrest before the Assembly elections, seeking prompt judicial intervention.
Point of View
The summons of Nusrat Jahan by the ED adds another layer of complexity to the already charged political atmosphere. This situation not only raises questions about the integrity of electoral processes but also highlights the ongoing tug-of-war between the ruling party and opposition factions.
NationPress
4 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why has Nusrat Jahan been summoned by the ED?
Nusrat Jahan has been summoned by the Enforcement Directorate in connection with an investigation into a ration scam involving alleged smuggling activities during the Covid-19 lockdown.
What is the significance of this summons ahead of elections?
The summons comes just one day before the first phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections, raising concerns about political motivations and the use of central agencies in electoral politics.
What allegations have been made against Nusrat Jahan?
Nusrat has been accused of involvement in a fraudulent housing scheme where a company failed to deliver promised flats to senior citizens and did not refund their money.
What actions has the Trinamool Congress taken in response?
The Trinamool Congress has denounced the ED's actions as a conspiracy by the BJP, claiming it is a misuse of central agencies to target their leaders before the elections.
Is Nusrat Jahan likely to respond to the ED's summons?
Sources indicate that Nusrat is expected to respond soon, although she may choose to appear at the ED's headquarters in New Delhi rather than in Kolkata.
