Trinamool leader suspended for ₹8 crore ration scam involving 1,000 fake cards in Malda

The Food Department has suspended the ration dealership of Ashraful Islam, a prominent leader of the Trinamool Congress in Malda, amid serious allegations of a ₹8 crore scam involving the creation of fake ration cards. Ashraful, who has served as the Trinamool president in the Kaliyachak area since 2015, is accused of orchestrating a fraudulent scheme that exploited the government’s ration distribution system over a span of seven years.

Investigations conducted by the Food Department uncovered that Ashraful allegedly manufactured nearly 1,000 counterfeit ration cards during his tenure. These fake cards allowed him to collect substantial quantities of government-issued ration supplies, which he then sold illegally in the open market. This misappropriation not only benefited Ashraful financially but also deprived legitimate beneficiaries of access to essential food supplies, raising significant concerns among the local community.

As part of the disciplinary actions taken against Ashraful, the Food Department has imposed a fine of ₹7.75 crores. The department’s decision to suspend his dealership is aimed at preventing further exploitation of the ration system and restoring integrity to the distribution process. In light of these developments, Ashraful has challenged the Food Department's actions by filing a petition with the High Court, seeking to reverse both the suspension and the financial penalty.

The investigation has also triggered a departmental inquiry into the conduct of a food inspector who may have been complicit in Ashraful's fraudulent activities. Reports indicate that a data entry operator connected to the case has already been dismissed from their position, indicating a crackdown on any personnel involved in the irregularities. The Food Department has committed to thoroughly reviewing its processes to enhance transparency and prevent future scams.

Furthermore, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has expressed grave concerns regarding the implications of this scandal, suggesting that the issuance of fake ration cards could extend to Bangladeshi nationals. The BJP has called for an exhaustive investigation to determine the full scope of the scam and to identify any additional individuals or groups involved. Local authorities continue to monitor the situation closely as they work to ensure accountability and integrity within the ration distribution system in Malda.