The Supreme Court on Thursday took up a petition filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) accusing West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and senior state officials of obstructing a central investigation during search operations conducted in Kolkata earlier this month. The case has intensified the confrontation between the state government and central agencies, raising larger questions about federal authority and the independence of investigative processes.
Appearing for the ED, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta told the apex court that the agency’s officers were carrying out lawful searches at the office of political consultancy firm I-PAC and at the residence of its director, Pratik Jain, on January 8 in connection with a multi-crore coal-related money laundering probe. According to the ED, the situation escalated when the Chief Minister, accompanied by senior police officials, allegedly entered the premises while the searches were underway.
The ED claimed that crucial documents and electronic devices that were part of the investigation were taken away in the presence of top state functionaries. The agency further alleged that even the mobile phone of one of its officers was seized, an act it described as a serious criminal offence that directly undermined the authority of a federal probe. Mehta argued that such actions not only disrupt a specific investigation but also create fear among officers tasked with enforcing central laws.
During the hearing, the ED urged the Supreme Court to take a firm stand, suggesting disciplinary action against the police officials present at the raid locations and seeking directions for an independent inquiry. The agency maintained that repeated interference by the state administration had made it impossible for the ED to function freely within West Bengal.
The West Bengal government, represented by senior advocates Kapil Sibal and Kalyan Banerjee, contested the ED’s version and filed a formal caveat in the Supreme Court. Through this, the state sought assurance that no order would be passed without giving it a full opportunity to present its case. The state government has consistently accused the ED of acting with political motives and exceeding its jurisdiction.
The controversy stems from the ED’s investigation into alleged illegal coal extraction and sale, a case that reportedly involves financial transactions worth thousands of crores. The agency believes that evidence linked to this probe was present at the raided locations. On the other hand, the Trinamool Congress has alleged that the raids were aimed at accessing sensitive political and electoral strategy information related to I-PAC.
