Enforcement Directorate Takes Mamata Banerjee Case to Supreme Court
The Enforcement Directorate made a significant move on Monday. It filed a writ petition directly in the Supreme Court. The agency is seeking a Central Bureau of Investigation probe into serious allegations.
Seventeen Offences Under New Law Cited
The petition targets West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. It also names the state Director General of Police and the Kolkata Police Commissioner. The ED accuses them of committing seventeen distinct offences under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
These alleged crimes include robbery, dacoity, and theft. The list also contains assault to deter a public servant from duty. Causing the disappearance of evidence and criminal intimidation are other charges.
The core incident occurred on January 8. The ED claims these top officials obstructed a raid. The search was targeting Pratik Jain of I-PAC. Officers allege evidence was tampered with and stolen. They also say ED officials faced intimidation.
Shocking Details of the Raid Day
The ED describes the events as shocking and unprecedented. According to the petition, the raid was part of a larger money laundering investigation. This case involves nearly three thousand crore rupees from illegal coal mining.
Pratik Jain is alleged to have received twenty crore rupees of this illicit money. The search was happening at his residential premises and an office of Indian Pac Consulting Pvt Ltd.
"To the shock and surprise of ED officers," the petition states, "the CM barged into the premises." She was reportedly accompanied by the chief secretary, the DGP, the police commissioner, and other officers.
The ED claims this group started intimidating its officers. They allegedly snatched files and electronic evidence containing incriminating material. The ED officials were threatened and prevented from continuing their search.
ED Seeks Supreme Court's Direct Intervention
The agency has made several specific requests to the Supreme Court:
- Direct an immediate CBI investigation into the seventeen offences.
- Order the seizure and sealing of all digital devices and documents taken from the search site.
- Ensure forensic preservation of this evidence and its restoration to the ED's lawful custody.
- Direct West Bengal Police not to lodge any FIR against ED officials without the court's prior permission.
The ED argues that approaching local police is futile. It states the constitutional and police authorities of the state are themselves involved. The Chief Minister also holds the home portfolio, under whom the police function.
Calcutta High Court Hearing Disrupted
The petition reveals another layer to this legal battle. The ED had initially approached the Calcutta High Court. It sought the registration of an FIR and a CBI probe into the same illegal acts.
However, that hearing could not proceed. The ED alleges supporters of the Chief Minister created a ruckus in court. This forced the judge to adjourn the hearing.
The agency cites WhatsApp messages as evidence. It claims party members were instructed to gather in huge numbers at the court. As a result, the ED argues, the remedy available in the High Court has become illusory in this case.
The ED also seeks protection from the Supreme Court. It wants to carry out its PMLA investigations into the illegal coal mining and I-PAC case without hindrance. The agency notes that the state police have maliciously registered several FIRs against its officers for conducting the raid.
This petition frames a stark conflict. It pits a central investigative agency against the highest law enforcement figures of a state. The Supreme Court's response will be closely watched.
