Enforcement Directorate Summons West Bengal Law Minister in Coal Pilferage Probe
The Enforcement Directorate (ED), on August 9th, escalated its involvement in the coal pilferage investigation in West Bengal by issuing a summons to the state’s Law Minister, Malay Ghatak. The senior official confirmed that the summons required Ghatak’s appearance before ED officers in connection with the ongoing probe into the coal pilferage case. This development underscores the agency’s determination to delve into the matter and underscores the significance of Ghatak’s potential involvement.
Malay Ghatak, a prominent figure who also serves as the Asansol Uttar Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA), had previously evaded multiple requests to meet with ED officers. In light of this evasion, he has now been summoned to personally appear at the central probe agency’s office in New Delhi during the upcoming week. The summon serves as an assertive step taken by the ED to ensure Ghatak’s cooperation and transparency in the investigation.
An official from the ED explained, “Mr. Ghatak has been asked to appear in person before our officers in New Delhi next week. Till date, he has skipped meeting our officers more than 10 times.” The official revealed that the ED had initially called upon Ghatak on a couple of occasions last month. However, he had cited his busy engagement with the elections in West Bengal as the reason for his non-compliance with the summons.
The official further remarked, “Now that the elections are over, we have issued a summons to him.” This assertion highlights the priority placed on unravelling the complexities of the coal pilferage case and seeking Ghatak’s involvement in the matter.
The central probe agency’s pursuit of the investigation aims to ascertain Ghatak’s “exact role” within the broader context of the coal pilferage scam. Ghatak, a key player in West Bengal’s political landscape, has thus far appeared twice before ED officers for questioning related to his connection with the scandal.
Last September, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) executed search operations at both of Ghatak’s residences located in Kolkata and Asansol. This earlier action reflects the gravity of the suspicions surrounding Ghatak’s possible involvement in the coal pilferage case. The ongoing coal pilferage investigation continues to attract attention due to its potential implications for the political and administrative landscape of West Bengal. As the ED intensifies its efforts to uncover the truth behind the coal pilferage scandal, the involvement of a prominent Law Minister adds layers of complexity to the case. The ED’s summons to Ghatak underscores the agency’s resolve to conduct a thorough and comprehensive inquiry, regardless of the political affiliations of the individuals under scrutiny.
News Mania Desk / Agnibeena Ghosh 13th August 2023
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