The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has moved the Supreme Court by filing an Article 32 petition, alleging that its investigation into the I-PAC-linked coal scam was obstructed by the West Bengal government and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
In its petition, the central agency has sought a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the incident, claiming that its right to carry out a “fair and independent investigation” was hampered by the state machinery.
ED alleges obstruction during I-PAC searches
The ED has outlined a series of events in its plea, describing what it termed a “showdown” during search operations at premises linked to political consultancy firm I-PAC, which has been associated with election strategy for the Trinamool Congress.
According to the agency, its officials were prevented from lawfully conducting searches and seizing material connected to the coal smuggling probe. The ED has alleged that documents and electronic devices were forcibly removed from the premises in the presence of senior state officials, including police personnel.
The agency has argued that such interference amounted to obstruction of justice and compromised the integrity of its investigation.
Bengal government files caveat in Supreme Court
Anticipating the ED’s move, the West Bengal government earlier filed a caveat in the Supreme Court, seeking to ensure that no order is passed without hearing the state’s version.
The move was aimed at preventing any interim relief being granted to the ED without the state being heard.
Alleged financial links under probe
The dispute stems from ED raids conducted in Kolkata at locations linked to I-PAC as part of its investigation into a multi-crore coal smuggling case.
The ED has claimed that proceeds of crime worth nearly Rs 10 crore were allegedly routed to I-PAC through hawala channels, and that the consultancy firm was paid by the Trinamool Congress for services related to the 2022 Goa Assembly elections.
Calcutta High Court hearing deferred
On Friday, the ED had approached the Calcutta High Court, seeking registration of an FIR against Mamata Banerjee for allegedly obstructing its search operations.
However, hearings were deferred after both a single-judge bench and a division bench headed by the acting Chief Justice postponed proceedings until after January 14.
In response, the Trinamool Congress and I-PAC filed counter-petitions in the High Court, challenging the ED’s claims.
The party has maintained that the seized documents were limited to election planning and campaign strategy, arguing that such material does not fall within the ambit of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002. It has accused the ED of attempting to access confidential political data under the guise of a financial investigation.
Additional complaints were also filed by the family of I-PAC chief Pratik Jain, alleging theft of important documents during the searches. The ED has rejected these allegations, asserting that all actions were carried out lawfully and in accordance with due process.
Kolkata Police begin probe against ED officials
Amid the legal back-and-forth, the Kolkata Police have begun the process of identifying ED officials accused of stealing documents during raids at Pratik Jain’s residence and office. FIRs were registered following allegations by Trinamool leaders that election-related data had been taken.
Police officials said CCTV footage, DVR recordings and witness statements are being examined, and notices will be issued once identification is completed.
The police have claimed that ED and CRPF personnel conducted searches without proper intimation, obstructed local officers and failed to produce valid warrants. Cases have been registered under criminal, trespass and IT Act provisions, and investigations are ongoing.
With the matter now before the Supreme Court, the legal confrontation between the central agency and the Trinamool Congress-led state government has entered a crucial phase. The ED has urged the top court to intervene, arguing that without judicial protection, central agencies would be unable to function independently in states where they face institutional resistance.