On Thursday, the Calcutta High Court rejected a public interest litigation (PIL) petition that brought attention to the "brutal attack" on Enforcement Directorate (ED) officers. The attack occurred during raids conducted earlier this month in connection to an alleged multi-crore ration distribution scam.

Chief Justice TS Sivagnanam, heading the bench, stated that the Enforcement Directorate (ED), being a central agency, is not deemed "powerless or helpless" to the extent that it requires protection through a Public Interest Litigation (PIL).

The Chief Justice, while dismissing the PIL, emphasized that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) is a central agency equipped with technical expertise and the necessary knowledge to handle such situations. He asserted that the ED, having inherent powers, doesn't require intervention through the PIL. The Chief Justice conveyed that the court would only consider hearing the petition if the agency itself seeks assistance, asserting their helplessness and supporting the petition. Otherwise, the PIL cannot be entertained.

According to reports, on January 5, Enforcement Directorate (ED) officers were reportedly attacked in close proximity to the residence of Trinamool Congress (TMC) Party leader Sheikh Shahjahan. It is noted that Shahjahan has alleged close connections to Jyotipriyo Mallick, who is currently serving as the State Minister for Forests. Mallick was reportedly arrested in October of the previous year in connection to the ration distribution scam.

On January 5, approximately 200 local residents reportedly encircled and besieged Enforcement Directorate (ED) officers who had arrived to conduct a raid at the residence of Sheikh Shahjahan in Akunjipara.

According to reports, both Enforcement Directorate (ED) officers and the accompanying paramilitary forces were attacked, compelling the ED team to withdraw from the area. The incident resulted in three ED officers sustaining injuries during the confrontation.

Following this incident, West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose called for the arrest of Sheikh Shahjahan. Bose also reportedly made comments suggesting that Shahjahan had close ties to terrorists. These remarks garnered sharp criticism from the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) party.