By High Drama During Money Laundering Probe in West Bengal
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has approached the Calcutta High Court seeking permission to file a petition after West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee reportedly intervened during raids at the residence of Pratik Jain, director of the political consultancy firm Indian Political Action Committee (I-PAC).
The ED is investigating alleged money laundering activities in West Bengal, and its operations included raids at ten locations, six in West Bengal and four in Delhi. The raids targeted I-PAC offices and Pratik Jain’s residence in Kolkata.
Mamata Banerjee’s Intervention
During the raids at Jain’s residence in South Kolkata, Mamata Banerjee allegedly arrived with aides and police officials. She claimed that the agency attempted to seize sensitive documents and hard drives related to her party’s election strategy.
The ED, however, asserted that Banerjee’s presence interfered with the investigation. According to the agency:
- Banerjee allegedly removed physical documents and electronic devices from Jain’s residence.
- She reportedly proceeded to I-PAC’s Salt Lake office and forcibly retrieved additional documents and electronic evidence.
The ED stated that these actions, combined with the presence of the Kolkata Police Commissioner, led to obstructions in the ongoing probe under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
ED’s Stand on Political Allegations
The Enforcement Directorate denied claims that the raids were politically motivated
The agency emphasized that the raids are part of a regular crackdown on money laundering and not targeted at any political party.
ED Seeks Court Permission
Following the alleged interference, the ED’s legal team requested Justice Suvra Ghosh of the Calcutta High Court to grant permission for filing a petition. The petition aims to ensure that the investigation proceeds without any obstruction.
