West Bengal civic jobs scam: ED raids residences of TMC leaders amid probe

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In an ongoing investigation into anomalies in West Bengal civic jobs scam, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) raided the homes of Fire and Emergency Services Minister Sujit Bose, Trinamool Congress MLA Tapas Roy, and former North Dumdum Municipality chairman Subodh Chakraborty, stated a report in PTI.

According to the report, the ED officers, assisted by the central forces, searched two Lake Town properties of Bose and raided BB Ganguly Street residence of Roy and Chakraborty's residence in Birati.

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"We are conducting search operations at the residences of three TMC leaders in connection with the West Bengal civic jobs scam. We are also talking to the leaders," the officer told PTI.

Reportedly, despite early resistance at Bose's home, the ED officers armed with search warrants eventually gained entry after 40 minutes. Given a recent assault on ED officers during a raid in Sandeshkhali, the central troops deployed during the raids were outfitted with additional protection gear, such as helmets and automatic weapons. "We are carrying a search warrant and despite showing that we were initially not allowed to enter," the officer had further told PTI.

The news agency, in their report, stated that TMC slammed the searches and dubbed it "vendetta politics" by the BJP ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. The TMC spokesperson Kunal Ghosh accused the BJP of diverting attention from serious concerns and said, "The BJP appears to be sensing growing public discontent, and they are using every means at their disposal to change the narrative. This is a clear example of vendetta politics."

Meanwhile, West Bengal Industry Minister Shashi Panja said that central probe agencies were being utilised to harass opposition figures while addressing searches in connection with West Bengal civic jobs scam. "It's crystal clear that the central government is using the central investigating agencies as a tool to harass opposition leaders," she said.

Meanwhile, dismissing the claims, BJP leader Rahul Sinha said, "Whenever the ED or CBI raid TMC leaders, they cry foul and accuse it of being politically motivated. Yet, the reality is that the TMC is deeply mired in corruption, with nearly every leader facing corruption allegations."

"We have been hearing about 'Khela Hobe' (the game is on). The real 'Khela Hobe' has started now. Those who have been playing will not be spared," BJP leader Dilip Ghosh told PTI.

Reportedly, the ED's activities follow similar searches at the residences of senior TMC leaders, including Food and Supplies Minister Rathin Ghosh and Urban Development Minister Firhad Hakim, in connection with municipal recruitment irregularities.