Source HT
KOLKATA – In an unprecedented legal and political standoff, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday approached the Calcutta High Court seeking permission to file a petition against West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. The agency has alleged “interference and obstruction” of its official duties during raids at the premises of political consultancy firm I-PAC.
The Incident: High Drama in Kolkata
The controversy erupted earlier today when ED officials launched a search operation at the South Kolkata residence of Pratik Jain, a senior director at I-PAC, and the firm’s Salt Lake office. The raids are reportedly part of a money-laundering investigation linked to the 2020 coal smuggling scam and alleged hawala transactions.
The situation took a dramatic turn when Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee arrived at Jain’s residence while the raid was in progress. Accompanied by senior state police officials, including the Kolkata Police Commissioner, the Chief Minister allegedly entered the premises and confronted the central agency officers.
ED’s Allegations of “Forcible Removal”
The ED, represented by its counsel before Justice Suvra Ghosh, claimed that the search was proceeding “peacefully and professionally” until the Chief Minister’s arrival. In its submission, the agency made several grave allegations:
Removal of Evidence: The ED alleged that the Chief Minister and her aides “forcibly removed” key physical documents and electronic devices, including a laptop and mobile phones, from the search sites.
Obstruction of Duty: The agency argued that the presence of the CM and a large police contingent created a “hostile environment,” preventing federal officers from carrying out their duties under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
Misuse of Power: The ED’s counsel argued that a constitutional functionary’s personal intervention in an ongoing criminal investigation constitutes a serious breach of legal protocols.
Mamata Banerjee’s Defense: “Protecting Party Strategy”
Defending her actions, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee termed the raids “politically motivated” and a direct attack on the Trinamool Congress (TMC) ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections.
Addressing the media while carrying several files, Banerjee said:
“They are trying to loot my party’s internal documents, candidate lists, and election strategies under the guise of an investigation. Is it the ED’s job to collect a political party’s hard disks? I have collected our party files to protect our secrets from this political vendetta.”
The TMC has announced statewide protests, accusing the BJP-led central government of using agencies to “bulldoze” the opposition.
What’s Next?
The Calcutta High Court has allowed the ED to file its petition. The matter is expected to be taken up for an urgent hearing on Friday. Meanwhile, I-PAC has also moved the court challenging the legality of the searches, while the family of Pratik Jain has reportedly filed a police complaint against the ED for alleged “theft” of personal documents.
The outcome of this legal battle will likely set a significant precedent regarding the boundaries between state executive power and the jurisdiction of central investi
gative agencies.
