Today, On 10th January, The West Bengal government led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has filed a caveat in the Supreme Court to ensure no order is passed without hearing the state, as the Enforcement Directorate is expected to approach the court in the I-PAC case.
Kolkata: The West Bengal government, under Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, filed a caveat with the Supreme Court.
This legal move seeks to ensure that the court does not make any decisions without considering the state’s perspective, particularly as indications suggest that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) may soon approach the court regarding the I-PAC case.
The caveat serves as a precautionary legal notice, aimed at safeguarding the state’s right to present its arguments if the ED seeks relief or intervention from the Supreme Court amid escalating tensions related to this controversy.
This development arises amid a serious conflict between the Bengal government and the ED, triggered by raids at the Indian Political Action Committee (I-PAC) headquarters and the residence of its director, Pratik Jain, in Kolkata.
These searches are part of a money-laundering investigation connected to an alleged coal smuggling operation and hawala transactions, as noted by ED officials.
The situation intensified when Chief Minister Banerjee personally visited the I-PAC sites during the raids, accompanied by police officials, and removed various documents and electronic devices. The ED claims that such actions hindered its lawful search operations.
Earlier, The Trinamool Congress (TMC) and political consultancy firm Indian Political Action Committee (I-PAC) have moved the Calcutta High Court, challenging the legality of searches conducted by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) at multiple locations linked to the firm in Kolkata and Bidhannagar.
Additionally, Yesterday, The Enforcement Directorate (ED) approached the Calcutta High Court, claiming it encountered obstacles while conducting raids on the Indian Political Action Committee (I-PAC) as part of an ongoing investigation under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
ED counsel requested an urgent hearing, stating that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee arrived at the residence of I-PAC chief Prateek Jain and removed critical evidence while the raids were taking place.
The ED further alleged that Mamata Banerjee and other leaders from the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) obstructed the investigation during the agency’s simultaneous raids at the I-PAC office.
The ED stated,
“During the search, the Deputy Commissioner of Police, South Kolkata, and the Officer in Charge of Sarani Police Station arrived at one of the sites to verify the officials’ identities. Shortly thereafter, the Commissioner of Police, Kolkata, along with several officers, also entered the premises. They were briefed about the proceedings by the Authorized Officer, who showed his identity card,”
The agency reported executing raids at ten locations, including six in Kolkata and four in Delhi.
The ED added,
“Proceedings were being conducted in a peaceful and professional manner until West Bengal Chief Minister Ms. Mamata Banerjee arrived with a significant number of police officials. Ms. Banerjee entered Prateek Jain’s residence and took away key evidence, including physical documents and electronic devices. Her convoy then moved to the I-PAC office, where she, her aides, and state police personnel forcibly removed physical documents and electronic evidence,”
These actions, the ED claims, have obstructed the ongoing investigation and proceedings under the PMLA.
The agency clarified that the searches are evidence-based and not aimed at any political establishment,
“No party office has been searched. The search is not linked to any elections and is part of a regular effort against money laundering. The searches are conducted strictly in accordance with established legal safeguards.”
Mamata Banerjee referred to the ED raids at I-PAC as “most unfortunate.”
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee denied the ED’s claims, terming the raids “most unfortunate”. She said the central agency was attempting to seize sensitive Trinamool Congress documents related to party activities and upcoming Assembly elections.