Allegations of Crores in Hawala Transactions Under Cover of Rice Trade! ED Raids Four Locations in Kolkata in Search of Businessman Shyamal Bepari

**Kolkata:** Allegations have surfaced of illegal transactions worth crores of rupees through hawala channels under the guise of domestic and international rice import and export business. Acting on these allegations, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) carried out search operations at four locations in Kolkata early Wednesday morning. Businessman Shyamal Bepari of Kamalgazi is under the investigators' scanner.

According to ED sources, Shyamal Bepari, who is associated with the rice business, has been accused of being involved in multiple financial irregularities and cyber crimes through the use of the internet. Investigators also suspect that crores of rupees of illegal transactions took place under the cover of his business. The investigation has begun on the basis of this lead.

From early Wednesday, ED officials, accompanied by central forces, searched a total of four locations in Kolkata, including Shyamal Bepari's office in Kamalgazi. However, it has been reported that no trace of Shyamal Bepari has been found so far during the operation. Investigators are also questioning neighbours to gather information about his business transactions and movements.

ED sources further revealed that a case related to this matter was filed in Guwahati a few days ago. Based on that case, investigators first conducted an operation in Lake Town, Kolkata. Now, expanding the scope of the probe, a search is being conducted at Shyamal Bepari's main office in Kamalgazi.

Investigators' preliminary assumption is that the network of this financial fraud racket is not confined to Kolkata alone and may have links to other states. Therefore, ED officials are examining who else is involved in this racket and how crores of rupees were transacted.

Meanwhile, the central agency's search operation early Wednesday has caused considerable unrest in the area. All eyes are now on what further information emerges from the investigation.