New Delhi: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has approached the Supreme Court alleging interference and obstruction by the West Bengal government, including Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, during its search operations at the office of political consultancy firm I-PAC and the residence of its director Pratik Jain in connection with the alleged coal pilferage scam.
The central agency has claimed that during the raid, the Chief Minister entered the search premises and removed what it described as “key” evidence, including physical documents and electronic devices. In its petition, the ED alleged that Banerjee’s presence at the raid sites had an intimidating effect on its officers and seriously hampered the agency’s ability to conduct an independent investigation as mandated under law.
The ED has further accused the state administration of repeated non-cooperation and obstruction during the probe. Citing the alleged interference by the state executive, the agency has sought directions for an independent investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), asserting that a neutral central agency is required to ensure a fair and unhindered inquiry.
Meanwhile, the West Bengal government has filed a caveat in the Supreme Court, requesting that no order be passed in the matter without hearing its side. A caveat is a legal provision that allows a party to be heard before any adverse order is issued against it by a court.
According to sources, the ED’s plea is expected to be mentioned for urgent hearing before the apex court on Monday. Prior to moving the Supreme Court, the ED had approached the Calcutta High Court on January 9, seeking a CBI probe against Banerjee. The agency alleged that she, along with police officials, removed incriminating documents from ED custody during a raid at Jain’s residence. However, the high court adjourned the hearing due to disruptions in the courtroom and listed the matter for January 14.
The controversy stems from search operations conducted by the ED on January 8 at the I-PAC office and the premises of its director as part of a money laundering investigation linked to an alleged multi-crore coal pilferage scam. During the operation, Banerjee reportedly arrived at the I-PAC office with senior Trinamool Congress leaders, confronted ED officials and accused the agency of overstepping its authority.
Subsequently, the West Bengal police registered an FIR against ED officers. The ruling All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) has denied allegations of obstruction and has also moved the Calcutta High Court in connection with the raids. The party has claimed that the ED action was politically motivated and aimed at accessing confidential election strategy material of I-PAC, which functions as the party’s election strategist.
The TMC has maintained that the central agency’s actions were intended to disrupt its electoral preparations rather than carry out a genuine investigation, allegations that the ED has strongly denied.
