ED Raids West Bengal Food Minister's Residence Over Financial Irregularities In Civic Bodies' Recruitment

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) initiated searches at multiple locations on Thursday (5 October), including the residence of West Bengal Food and Supplies Minister Rathin Ghosh. This action is part of the ED's investigation into alleged irregularities in recruitments conducted by civic bodies in the state, as reported by officials.

Accompanied by a significant presence of central forces, investigators reached Ghosh's residence in Michaelnagar, North 24 Parganas district, around 6:10 am, Indian Express reported. Concurrently, searches commenced at 12 other locations related to the case.

Rathin Ghosh, a Trinamool Congress (TMC) MLA representing Madhyamgram, previously held a position in the Madhyamgram Municipality. It remains unclear whether Ghosh was present at his residence during the onset of the searches.

The ED's allegations center around the illegal recruitment of approximately 1,500 individuals by various civic bodies in the state between 2014 and 2018, allegedly involving financial improprieties.