The Enforcement Directorate arrested West Bengal minister Jyoti Priya Mallick in the early hours of Friday in connection with the alleged multi-crore ration distribution scam after raiding his two houses and three other places a day earlier.
Recent allegations have surfaced regarding the Food Minister, Shri. Jyoti Priya Mallick, involving unaccounted wealth, money laundering, and corruption in the Public Distribution System (PDS). These allegations point to the acquisition of shell companies, involvement in corrupt practices within the PDS system, and questionable financial activities by the minister’s family members.
•Unearthing the Shell Companies:
The evidence suggests that Shri. Jyoti Priya Mallick purchased shell companies worth Rs. 95 Crores from a known entry operator, Abhishek Chokhani, with the intention of laundering his black money. Notably, the minister’s family members have direct and indirect holdings in these shell companies. For instance, Monodipa Mallick, the minister’s wife, holds one share in Gracious Creation Private Limited, while majority shares are owned by other shell companies linked to the Mallick family.
•Close Associates’ Involvement:
The allegations extend to close associates of Minister Jyoti Priya Mallick, particularly Mr. Bakibur Rahman. He is implicated not only in hoarding black money but also in corrupt activities related to the PDS distribution system. Additionally, he is connected to Bangla Film Productions and is accused of supplying girls to the minister.
Another close associate, Mr. Kali Das Saha, was found storing PDS ration illegally in his godown, raising concerns about the integrity of the PDS system.
•Money Broker in the Shadows:
Mr. Mahendra Agarwal emerges as the alleged main broker for the food minister. He is accused of facilitating the syphoning of PDS designated grains and profiting from such illegal activities. Mahendra Agarwal is believed to be a silent partner in various flour and rice mills receiving work from the Ministry, charging Rs. 100 per quintal for his services.
Corruption in Flour Mills:
Several flour mills are directly or indirectly linked to corruption, including Jagdamba Agro Food Private Limited, Badrinath Food & Agro Products Private Limited, and more. These mills are suspected of playing a role in corrupt practices.
• Black Money in Family Accounts:
Suspicious cash deposits during the demonetization period in 2016 have raised red flags. For example, Priyadarshini Mallick, the minister’s daughter and a college teacher, deposited a significant amount in her bank account, far exceeding her annual salary. Monidipa Mallick, the minister’s wife, also had substantial cash deposits in her IDBI Bank account.
•Bogus Income Claims:
Both the minister’s wife and daughter are accused of showing substantial incomes from other sources despite not being involved in any business. These claims are believed to be a means of laundering the minister’s ill-gotten money.
There are allegations of questionable property acquisitions at Diamond Heritage and Jessore Road, Salt Lake City, further deepening concerns about the origin of these assets.
The allegations surrounding Food Minister Shri. Jyoti Priya Mallick paint a disturbing picture of corruption, money laundering, and unaccounted wealth. These serious accusations warrant a thorough investigation to uphold transparency and accountability in government activities.
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