ED moves SC, seeks CBI probe against Mamata Banerjee, top Bengal officers over I-PAC raids

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has approached the Supreme Court seeking directions for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe against West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee, the state’s director general of police and the Kolkata police commissioner. The agency has alleged that its lawful money laundering investigation linked to political consultancy firm I-PAC was obstructed during search operations last week.

In its writ petition, the ED claimed that Banerjee, accompanied by senior officials and a large police contingent, entered the search premises on January 8 and disrupted operations conducted under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The searches covered the residence of I-PAC director Pratik Jain and the firm’s office, where officers were allegedly prevented from completing proceedings.

The agency accused state authorities of threatening and wrongfully confining ED officers, forcibly taking away documents and digital devices, and compromising forensic extraction of electronic evidence. It termed the incident “shocking” and “unprecedented,” alleging multiple cognisable offences under the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita, including theft, criminal intimidation and destruction of evidence.

Citing Articles 14, 21 and 22 of the Constitution, the ED sought protection for its officers from what it described as malicious prosecution and intimidation. It urged the court to direct an independent CBI investigation, arguing that approaching the state police would be futile since the accused control the local law enforcement machinery.

The legal confrontation follows ED searches across West Bengal and Delhi in connection with an alleged coal smuggling-linked money laundering probe. The West Bengal government has filed a caveat in the Supreme Court seeking a hearing before any interim orders, while Banerjee has denied the allegations, accusing the ED of overreach and political vendetta.