Supreme Court to Hear ED Plea Against Mamata Banerjee Over I-PAC Raid Interference
The Supreme Court will take up a crucial plea from the Enforcement Directorate on Thursday. The federal agency alleges serious interference and obstruction by the West Bengal government in its investigation. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee stands accused of personally disrupting a search operation.
Legal Battle Intensifies
A bench comprising Justices Prashant Kumar Mishra and Vipul Pancholi will likely hear the matter. This follows the Supreme Court's official cause list. The Enforcement Directorate moved the apex court after facing what it calls repeated obstructions.
The West Bengal government has filed a caveat in the top court. This legal move ensures no order passes without hearing the state's side. The caveat relates directly to last week's raids against political consultancy firm I-PAC.
Allegations of Evidence Removal
The Enforcement Directorate makes serious claims in its plea. It alleges Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee entered raid sites personally. She reportedly took away key evidence from the premises. This included physical documents and electronic devices.
The agency states this action obstructed and interfered with their investigation. The chief minister's presence allegedly intimidated officers on duty. The ED claims this compromised their ability to function independently.
Call for CBI Probe
The Enforcement Directorate seeks directions for an independent CBI inquiry. It cites non-cooperation from the state administration as justification. The agency contends only a neutral central agency can handle this case fairly.
Prior to approaching the Supreme Court, the ED knocked on Calcutta High Court's doors on January 9. It sought a CBI probe against Mamata Banerjee there too. The agency alleged the TMC supremo took away incriminating documents with police aid.
Recent Court Developments
The Calcutta High Court adjourned the hearing on the ED's plea on Wednesday. It also disposed of a TMC petition seeking data protection. The court noted the ED's submission that it seized nothing from the premises.
The Supreme Court plea follows events from January 8. On that day, the ED conducted searches at I-PAC offices and director Pratik Jain's premises in Kolkata. This was part of a money laundering probe into an alleged coal-pilferage scam.
Political Confrontation Unfolds
During the search operation, Mamata Banerjee reached the I-PAC office with senior TMC leaders. She confronted ED officials directly. The chief minister allegedly took documents from the premises during this confrontation.
Banerjee has accused the central agency of overreach in its actions. The West Bengal Police registered an FIR against ED officers following the incident. The TMC denies all allegations of obstruction completely.
Election Strategy Concerns
The Trinamool Congress presents a different narrative. It alleges the ED action targeted I-PAC to access confidential election strategy material. I-PAC functions as the party's election consultant and strategist.
The party maintains the raids aimed to disrupt electoral preparations. It claims the action lacked bona-fide investigative purpose. Assembly polls in West Bengal approach within just a few months.
This legal battle unfolds against a tense political backdrop. Both sides prepare for a courtroom showdown that could have significant implications. The Supreme Court hearing promises to be a pivotal moment in this ongoing confrontation.
