Kolkata: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) probing the alleged irregularities in the ration distribution system across
West Bengal on Friday detained businessman Bakibur Rahaman after about marathon 55 hours search at his Kaikhali house near Dum Dum airport, official sources confirmed.
The ED, after interrogating him since 6 am on Wednesday, detained him at noon and took him to the CGO Complex at Salt Lake, sources said.
It is unclear whether Bakibur Rahaman, who is a very influential businessman and has connections in the corridor of power, was formally arrested or not, the sources added.
Whilst the ED officials took him into their parked vehicle at his Kaikhali house under the Bidhannagar police station, he said he is only a businessman and innocent.
The central investigation agency filed an FIR last year after getting complaints regarding the alleged irregularities in the distribution of ration and began investigation on the case.
The federal agency in the past three days raided 12 places, including several rice mills in the two neighbouring districts, and addresses of businessmen Bakibur Rahman and seized several documents, including multiple mobile phones during the search operations.
ED sources claimed while investigating the case that the businessman has very close connection with a cabinet minister.
During the pandemic period, there were allegations of corruption in the distribution of ration across the state.
Besides the rice mills, Babibur Rahaman owned hotels, bars and restaurant businesses, sources added.
The ED also raided Baguihati, Kaikhali and Dashadrone in North 24 Parganas where Bakibur has businesses.
The central agency also raided the house of Bakibur Rahaman’s brother-in-law Abhishek Das in Dasadrona area of Baguiati and seized documents from them.
