In West Bengal, the Enforcement Directorate ED initiated searches at multiple locations today, including the residence of West Bengal Food and Supplies Minister Rathin Ghosh. This action is part of the agency's investigation into alleged irregularities in recruitments conducted by civic bodies in the state, as reported by officials.

Accompanied by a significant presence of central forces, investigators reached Sri Ghosh's residence in Michaelnagar, North 24 Parganas district, around 6:10 am. Concurrently, searches commenced at 12 other locations related to the case.

Rathin Ghosh, a Trinamool Congress  MLA representing Madhyamgram, previously held a position in the Madhyamgram Municipality. It remains unclear whether Sri Ghosh was present at his residence during the onset of the searches.

ED's allegations centres around the illegal recruitment of approximately 1,500 individuals by various civic bodies in the state between 2014 and 2018, allegedly involving financial improprieties.