ED Raids in West Bengal target rice traders amid election season, linked to wheat smuggling and ration corruption probe.
ED Fresh searches across 9 locations revive wheat smuggling probe linked to Bangladesh
By Qalam Times News Network
Kolkata, April 25, 2026
ED Raids have once again taken center stage in West Bengal as the Enforcement Directorate launched coordinated searches across multiple districts amid the ongoing election atmosphere. Early Saturday morning, officials carried out operations at nine locations, targeting several rice traders in Kolkata, Burdwan, and Habra in North 24 Parganas. The action is reportedly linked to allegations of financial irregularities connected to the state’s public distribution system.
According to agency sources, these ED Raids stem from an ongoing investigation into ration-related corruption and suspected wheat smuggling to Bangladesh. Authorities indicated that multiple First Information Reports (FIRs) were registered in connection with the case, and the latest searches are based on developments emerging from the second FIR. Investigators believe that large-scale diversion of subsidized food grains may have taken place, involving a network of traders and intermediaries.
The origins of the case date back to 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, when significant quantities of government-supplied wheat were allegedly smuggled across the Ghojadanga border in North 24 Parganas into Bangladesh. At that time, a joint operation by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) and Customs led to the seizure of nearly 1,500 metric tonnes of wheat. Following this, a formal case was registered, and later the Enforcement Directorate took over the probe.
Although initial searches were conducted in late 2020, the investigation had remained largely inactive for an extended period. However, with elections approaching, enforcement activity has picked up pace again. Earlier this month, the agency conducted raids at 15 locations including Kolkata, Howrah, Bongaon, and Murshidabad. During those operations, cash recoveries were reported, including ₹10 lakh from a Kolkata-based trader and additional sums of ₹11 lakh and ₹8 lakh from other individuals.
Officials maintain that the renewed crackdown is part of a broader effort to trace financial trails and uncover the full extent of the alleged scam. The developments have once again brought enforcement actions into the political spotlight, raising questions about timing and intent during a sensitive electoral phase.
