Investigation – ED Accuses Mamata Banerjee of Obstructing Raid
Investigation – The Enforcement Directorate has accused West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and senior state officials of interfering with a lawful search operation, describing the episode as a serious misuse of authority. The allegations were made in a counter affidavit submitted before the Supreme Court of India in connection with events that unfolded during a raid at the office of Indian PAC Consulting Pvt. Ltd. (I-PAC) earlier this month.
Allegations of Interference During Search
In its filing, the central agency claimed that top officers of the West Bengal Police obstructed its officials while they were carrying out duties under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). According to the ED, the alleged interference was not incidental but amounted to deliberate obstruction intended to protect political interests.
The agency asserted that such conduct by the state machinery undermines the lawful exercise of authority by central investigative bodies. It further alleged that senior police officials, including the city’s Commissioner of Police and the Director General of Police, were present at the site during the operation—an occurrence the ED described as highly unusual.
Case Linked to Illegal Mining Proceeds
The search was conducted as part of an investigation into the suspected laundering of funds generated through illegal mining activities. The ED told the court that offences involving natural resources affect the public at large because such resources are national assets. Therefore, it argued, the public has a fundamental right to a fair and transparent investigation carried out in accordance with law.
The agency maintained that the obstruction of its officers compromised the integrity of the investigation and necessitated judicial intervention.
Petition Seeks Independent Probe
Following the January 8 incident, the ED approached the apex court seeking several directions, including a request that the Central Bureau of Investigation register a First Information Report and conduct an independent inquiry into the alleged obstruction.
The petition outlines a sequence of events that, according to the agency, reflects an abuse of authority by state officials. The ED contended that the presence of senior police leadership at an ongoing central agency search operation disrupted due process and raised serious concerns about institutional overreach.
Dispute Over Identity and Authorization
The West Bengal government has reportedly argued that state authorities intervened because of concerns that individuals conducting the search were armed and potentially impersonating central officials. Rejecting this claim, the ED stated that its officers had clearly displayed official identification and search authorisation documents at the site.
According to the agency’s submission, documents gathered during the search were allegedly removed from the premises by individuals present at the location. The ED further said that its data backup process, including computer and email records, was halted midway during the incident.
Claims of Seizure of Devices
In its affidavit, the ED alleged that state police personnel, acting on instructions from the Chief Minister, temporarily took possession of mobile phones belonging to employees of Indian PAC Consulting Pvt. Ltd. The agency also claimed that a laptop and mobile phone belonging to one of its officers were taken and returned approximately two hours later.
The ED described this act as unlawful and contended that such actions obstructed the discharge of official duties. It also stated that the entry of the Chief Minister into the premises, accompanied by her security detail, occurred while the search was already in progress.
Material and Documents in Question
The agency alleged that documents and other materials relevant to the investigation were forcibly removed despite objections raised by its officers. It also dismissed the state government’s assertion that the material concerned confidential and proprietary information related solely to the Trinamool Congress.
According to the ED, the nature of the investigation pertains to financial transactions linked to alleged illegal mining proceeds and therefore extends beyond internal party matters.
The matter is now under consideration before the Supreme Court, where both sides have presented their respective submissions. The court’s decision is expected to clarify the scope of authority between central investigative agencies and state administrations in such operations.