The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Monday conducted multiple raids across West Bengal in connection with an alleged illegal call center operation.
According to reports, the searches were carried out in at least 10 locations under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), following specific inputs about the accused.
The raids took place in several cities, including Siliguri, Howrah, Bidhannagar, and Durgapur. The central agency is investigating suspected financial irregularities and fraudulent activities linked to the call center network.
Officials stated that the investigation team is working to gather evidence and trace financial transactions related to the alleged illegal activities. Documents, digital devices, and other materials are expected to be examined as part of the probe.
Those being searched include individuals named Surashree Kar, Samrat Ghosh, and Subhajit Chakraborty, among others.
It is currently unclear whether the investigation is related to political funding or inducements tied to the upcoming elections. West Bengal is set to hold polls in two phases, on April 23 and April 29, with the model code of conduct already in effect following the Election Commission's announcement of election dates on Sunday.
(Story will be updated with more details.)
