Bail Granted to Ex-Minister Jyotipriya Mallick in Bengal PDS Case
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Synopsis
On January 15, a special PMLA court in Kolkata granted bail to Jyotipriya Mallick, the former state Food and Supplies Minister, related to the West Bengal ration distribution case. His bail follows a prolonged investigation by the Enforcement Directorate, which revealed his alleged involvement in the scam.
Key Takeaways
- Jyotipriya Mallick granted bail after 14 months.
- Involved in the ration distribution case in West Bengal.
- Health issues led to multiple hospitalizations.
- Conditions imposed on bail include surrendering passport.
- Mallick was arrested before Durga Puja 2023.
Kolkata, Jan 15 (NationPress) A special court operating under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) in Kolkata has granted bail to former state Food and Supplies Minister Jyotipriya Mallick in relation to the ration distribution case in West Bengal.
Mallick was taken into custody in 2023, just prior to the Durga Puja festival, by officials from the Enforcement Directorate (ED), who were investigating the ration distribution issue. At the time of his arrest, he held the position of the state forest minister.
He received bail against a personal bond of Rs 50 lakh and a bail bond of Rs 50,000 exactly 14 months after being detained by the ED.
Mallick becomes the third individual to be released on bail in this ration distribution case.
Previously, his close associates and businessmen Babikur Rahaman and Shankar Adhya were also granted bail.
The counsel for the ED had previously opposed his bail request, stating in court that when the central agency initially commenced its investigation, Mallick’s name was absent from the enforcement case information report (ECIR). However, the ED attorney informed the court that as the investigation progressed, they obtained various documents that not only indicated Mallick’s involvement but also revealed his role as the alleged mastermind behind the scam.
Ultimately, the judge of the special court dismissed the central agency's arguments, noting that since there was no imminent trial expected, it was unwarranted to keep the former minister in custody.
However, the judge imposed certain conditions on Mallick: he must not leave the state without prior court approval, surrender his passport to the investigating officers, cooperate fully with the investigation, refrain from attempting to influence witnesses, and avoid any media interactions regarding the case.
Since his arrest in October 2023, Mallick's health has deteriorated multiple times, necessitating hospitalization.
