The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has moved the Calcutta High Court, seeking directions for the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to register an FIR against West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and others in connection with the controversy surrounding recent searches at premises linked to political consultancy firm Indian Political Action Committee (I-PAC).
In its petition, the ED alleged that its officials were obstructed while carrying out search operations under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) at multiple locations in Kolkata, including the residence of an I-PAC functionary and the firm’s office. The searches were part of an ongoing investigation related to an alleged money-laundering network.
According to the central agency, the situation escalated when Mamata Banerjee arrived at one of the search locations along with senior officers of the state police. The ED claimed that the presence and actions of the Chief Minister and accompanying officials interfered with its lawful proceedings and resulted in the removal of documents and electronic devices that were relevant to the probe.
The ED contended before the High Court that such actions amounted to obstruction of a central investigative agency in the discharge of its statutory duties. It argued that the seriousness of the allegations warranted an independent investigation by the CBI to ensure fairness and credibility, particularly since the matter involved high-ranking state functionaries.
The petition further stated that the alleged interference compromised the integrity of the search process and hampered the collection of evidence. On these grounds, the ED urged the court to order the registration of an FIR so that the events surrounding the raids could be thoroughly investigated.
The Chief Minister and the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) have denied the ED’s allegations, asserting that the searches were improper and politically motivated. Separate petitions have also been filed challenging the legality of the raids and raising concerns about the handling of data allegedly seized during the operation.
The matter has drawn significant political and legal attention, as it highlights ongoing tensions between the West Bengal government and central investigative agencies. The Calcutta High Court is expected to hear the ED’s plea along with related petitions and decide on the course of action in the coming hearings.
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