On Saturday, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted searches at nine locations in West Bengal, specifically targeting the residences of three rice traders—Sagar Saha, Partha Saha, and Samir Chandra Kumar—in Habra, North 24 Parganas district. This action is part of a broader investigation into a money-laundering scheme involving the diversion of Public Distribution System (PDS) wheat intended for welfare schemes. The ED's investigation was initiated following a First Information Report (FIR) filed on October 23, 2020, at Basirhat police station, which alleged that the accused had been systematically diverting PDS wheat through unauthorized channels. They reportedly colluded with suppliers and middlemen to procure wheat at low prices, illegally diverting it from the supply chain and concealing its origin by altering packaging. This fraudulent activity has led to significant financial gains for the accused, with the ED estimating the scam's scale to be between ₹9,000–₹10,000 crore. The raids coincide with the ongoing Assembly elections in West Bengal, with the first phase having taken place on April 23 and the second phase scheduled for April 29. The investigation has also seen the arrest of former Trinamool Congress (TMC) minister Jyotipriya Mallick, who is accused of orchestrating kickbacks through family businesses.