The political landscape of West Bengal witnessed a dramatic escalation on Monday as the Enforcement Directorate (ED) approached the Supreme Court with a serious plea. The central probe agency has sought directions for the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) against West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, the state's Director General of Police (DGP), and the Kolkata Police Commissioner.
Allegations of Obstruction and Evidence Tampering
The ED's move to the apex court stems from incidents that unfolded during its search operations last week. The agency alleges that the state's top leadership, including the Chief Minister, actively obstructed its investigation into a multi-state money laundering case linked to the Indian Political Action Committee (I-PAC). In its petition, the ED asserted that the "protectors of law became party to a serious cognizable offence."
The controversy erupted on Thursday when ED officials conducted searches at the Kolkata headquarters of the political consultancy firm I-PAC and the residence of its director, Pratik Jain. The raids were part of a probe connected to an alleged multi-crore rupee coal pilferage scam. According to the ED, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee personally entered the raid locations and took away what the agency describes as "key" evidence, including physical documents and electronic devices.
Sequence of Events and Legal Maneuvers
The ED has detailed a series of confrontational events. It claims that state police officials "intimidated and threatened ED officers" and snatched files and electronic evidence containing incriminating material. Following the raid, the ED first approached the Calcutta High Court seeking a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the alleged obstruction. However, the agency told the Supreme Court that "the clout enjoyed by the CM and her supporters was used to create a ruckus in the courtroom," forcing the judge to adjourn the hearing.
Anticipating legal action, the West Bengal government filed a caveat in the Supreme Court on Saturday, seeking to be heard before any adverse order is passed. A caveat is a legal notice that ensures no order is issued without giving the party a chance to present its case.
Political Reactions and Accusations of Vendetta
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has vehemently rejected all allegations. She rushed to Pratik Jain's residence during the raid and accused the central government of political vendetta. Banerjee claimed that the actions were a misuse of central agencies ahead of elections and questioned the role of the ED and Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
Further escalating her attack, Banerjee alleged that party documents and data were being seized under the pretext of investigations. She also linked the incident to the electoral process, claiming that voter names were being deleted in West Bengal during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision exercise.
The ED's direct move to the Supreme Court, seeking an FIR against a sitting Chief Minister and the state's top police officials, marks an unprecedented chapter in the ongoing tussle between the Centre and the West Bengal government. The apex court's decision on this matter is now keenly awaited, as it carries significant implications for federal relations and the autonomy of investigative agencies.
