NTT Exclusive: “Rs 45k to Rs 5 cr in one year”…This is what ED claimed in it’s remand note on arrested Bengal Minister Jyotipriya Mallick; Mystery grows over a ‘maroon diary’ seized by ED

In a significant development, West Bengal minister Jyotipriya Mallick has been placed in the custody of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for ten days by a special court in Kolkata. The court proceedings, lasting for 45 minutes, saw the ED present its case, alleging that Mallick was involved in a deep-rooted nexus related to the alleged procurement and diversion of 'ration' during his tenure as the food and supplies minister in Mamata Banerjee's cabinet. ED had previously arrested a businessman named Bakibur Rahaman in connection with the same ‘ration scam’ where he is accused of siphoning the food grains under PDS scheme. Agency probing the link between Rahaman and Mallick.

ED's Allegations and 'Evidence'

The ED's claims revolve around what they describe as a 'deep-rooted nexus', focusing on Mallick's alleged involvement in the procurement and diversion of 'ration' during his tenure

3 Companies and bogus shares: A complex financial web?

As per ED, the heart of the allegations is the involvement of three companies:

1) Sree Hanuman Realcon Pvt Ltd
2) Gracious Innovative Pvt Ltd
3) Gracious Creations Pvt Ltd.

Notably, the previous directors and shareholders of these companies were Mrs. Manidipa Mallick (wife of Jyotipriya Mallick) and Ms. Priyadarshani Mallick (daughter of Jyotipriya Mallick)

As alleged in the remand note by the ED, “proceeds of crime…were first introduced in the bank accounts of these three companies under the garb of bogus share premium and commission income on food grain trading”. It further added that “subsequently these companies were liquidated and liquidation proceeds” to the tune of Rs 20.24 crore were transferred to the bank account of Bakibur’s brother-in-law.

ED has proof of shell Cos and money laundering?

Further investigation by ED reveals that proceeds of the crime were routed through shell companies, incorporated by a Chartered Accountant associated with Jyotipriya Mallick. Interestingly, these entities appeared to lack any legitimate business transactions, suggesting they were set up for money laundering. “Further on persual of bank account statements of these firms and statements on record, it transpires that there are no business transactions in these entities and it appears that these entities have been incorporated only for laundering and layering of Proceeds of Crime”, alleged ED.

Minister's Wife and Daughter quizzed


During the examination, the minister's wife and daughter denied any connection to the aforementioned companies. However, during a 20-hour search at their residence, the ED recovered and seized stamps related to these three companies, further complicating the situation. “Further his associates confirmed that the three companies were owned by Jyotipriya Mallick…that his wife and mother were made directors in these companies at the instructions of Mallick”, claimed ED.


WhatsApp Chats mention Payments to 'Minister in Charge'?

The ED claims to possess WhatsApp chats that mention "payments made to Minister in Charge" during conversations between Bakibur Rahaman and his employee. One of Rahaman's employees confirmed paying "Rs 68 lakh to MIC" at the time when Jyotipriya Mallick held the position of the food and supplies minister. ED concludes that the 'proceeds of crime' generated from the open market sale of PDS ration were received by Jyotipriya Mallick after obtaining the same from Bakibur Rahaman, implying the minister's involvement in money laundering. The agency has further highlighted statement of another witness, corroborated by Rahaman, confirming payment of Rs 12 lakh to minister Mallick on another occasion. That payment was however claimed to be a loan by Bakibur when confronted by ED. ED has thus inferred “it is clear that the PoC generated from the open market sale of PDS ration was laundered by Bakibur Rahaman and also transferred to Jyotipriya Mallick.”

Maroon Diary: A Clincher?

An intriguing aspect of this case is the discovery of a maroon-colored diary during the ongoing searches. This diary reportedly contains details of financial transactions and mentions the name of Jyotipriya Mallick.

Mallik's legal fightback and ill health

During the legal proceedings, Jyotipriya Mallick's legal team strongly contested the ED's allegations, adding to the complexity of the case. The situation took a dramatic turn when Mallick fainted and became ill in the courtroom, emphasising his chronic health issues, including high diabetes. The court's decision to send him into ED custody for ten days will take effect upon his discharge from the hospital, unless another court order intervenes.

Rs 45,000 to Rs 5 crores in a year?

ED also made a startling disclosure, it said the minister's wife's bank account, which initially had Rs 45,000, saw a substantial increase to over Rs 5 crores in just a year. This revelation left the judge astonished at the significant financial gain.