The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has expressed reservations regarding the FIR filed by the West Bengal Police concerning the recent assault on its team during a raid in the North 24 Parganas district last week. In an official statement, the investigative agency highlighted that the charges specified in the case were related to non-bailable offenses.
Last week, a sizable group of supporters belonging to Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Shahjahan Sheikh attacked three officials from the probe agency, injuring them and vandalizing their vehicles. This assault occurred when the Enforcement Directorate team conducted a raid at Sheikh's residence in Sandeshkhali, investigating an alleged multi-crore ration distribution scam.
Subsequently, the probe agency filed a complaint about the attack, urging the registration of an FIR for various offenses under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). However, the Enforcement Directorate's statement pointed out that although the Nazat Police Station registered an FIR, the charges primarily pertained to bailable and non-scheduled offenses.
As of Monday, the investigative agency indicated that it had not yet received a copy of the FIR from the police.
Furthermore, the Enforcement Directorate disclosed that another team faced a similar situation on the same night while conducting a search at the residence of another TMC leader, Shankar Adhya, in Simultala Bongaon, also related to the ration distribution scam. Despite prompt communication with the Bongaon Police and subsequent contact with the Superintendent of Police (SP), a crowd gathered near Adhya's residence and attacked the ED team, causing damage to their vehicle. While no physical injuries were reported among ED officials, a formal complaint has been lodged, and the agency is awaiting an FIR copy in this case as well.
