Former Food Minister and State Forest Minister Jyotipriya (Balu) Mallik is the victim of a political conspiracy. During the hearing of the ration distribution corruption case, Balu’s lawyer made such a claim in the court. He also requested the court to complete the investigation soon. Jyotipriya also claimed in the court that despite the court order, no medical board was constituted for the minister in the Command Hospital.
Jyotipriya Mallik said: I am free
Before entering Bankshall court on Monday, Jyotipriya said, “I am free, I am free. ED has realized that I am free.” But it is not clear in what context he is making this claim. On the other hand, according to ED sources, they will again file an application in the court to take the minister into their custody. On Monday morning, Jyotipriya once again declared herself ‘innocent’. He was taken for medical examination before presenting him in court on Monday. While coming out of the ED office CGO Complex, Jyotipriya said thrice, “I am innocent. I am innocent, I am innocent”.
Another businessman considered close to the minister is under ED investigation.
According to sources, another businessman considered close to the minister is also under the ED’s investigation in the case. Central Investigation Agency officials had also conducted a search operation at his Salt Lake residence last Saturday. Investigation has also revealed that Minister Mallik used to visit the residence of the said businessman in BD Block of Salt Lake. He usually came there in the evening. Efforts are being made to find out what contact the minister had with the said businessman. It is noteworthy that in this case, businessman Bakibul Rahman alias Bakibur, who was considered close to the minister, has also been arrested. The family members and people considered close to both of them are also under the ambit of investigation. As part of the investigation, last Saturday, ED had raided the premises of rice and flour mill owners, businessmen and other people in different places of the state, which continued till late night. These raids were conducted at different places in Kolkata, North 24 Parganas, Nadia and Howrah.