Probe Agency Approaches High Court, Claims Probe Was Obstructed by Mamata Banerjee

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee allegedly walked away with a laptop, mobile phone and several documents during an Enforcement Directorate (ED) raid at the residence of Pratik Jain, head of political consultancy I-PAC, the central agency has claimed.

The ED has approached the High Court, accusing Banerjee of “obstructing an ongoing investigation” and “defending individuals involved in coal smuggling and money laundering.” The matter is likely to be heard on Thursday. Banerjee has rejected the allegations, calling the ED action politically motivated and orchestrated by the BJP. The agency has denied the charge, insisting the searches were evidence-based and conducted strictly in accordance with law.

“No party office has been searched. The action is not linked to elections and is part of a routine crackdown on money laundering,” the ED said in a statement. Jain’s family has meanwhile filed a police complaint accusing ED officials of stealing important documents during the raid, police sources said.

ED’s Version

According to the agency, its teams reached Jain’s residence at around 7.30 am and conducted the search peacefully until the arrival of state police personnel, followed by the Chief Minister. “The Chief Minister, accompanied by police personnel and officials of the West Bengal administration, forcibly removed physical documents and electronic evidence from two premises,” the ED alleged.

The agency further claimed that Banerjee, her aides and police personnel later went to I-PAC’s office, from where documents and electronic devices were allegedly taken, resulting in obstruction of proceedings under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

The ED said searches were conducted at 10 locations — six in West Bengal and four in Delhi — in connection with an alleged coal smuggling syndicate linked to Anup Majee, involving illegal mining from Eastern Coalfields Limited leasehold areas.

Mamata Banerjee Responds

Speaking to reporters outside Jain’s residence, Banerjee alleged the ED seized party data, electronic devices, tax papers and bank details. “They have taken our party data, laptops, iPhone and election strategy documents. This is an insult to the IT sector. Is this not a crime?” she said.

The Chief Minister said I-PAC was an authorised consultant for her party and claimed the raid would disrupt election preparations. Calling the BJP a “killer of democracy,” she questioned whether similar action would be acceptable against ruling party offices.

She said she went to Jain’s residence after failing to reach him by phone and learning about the ED search.

Political Fallout

The incident triggered a political slugfest, with BJP leader Swapan Dasgupta accusing Banerjee of placing herself above the Constitution. Opposition leaders hit back, with Congress’s Abhishek Singhvi alleging the misuse of investigative agencies and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav claiming the action showed the BJP’s fear of defeat in West Bengal.

The Coal Case

The ED alleges a coal smuggling network led by Anup Majee illegally excavated and sold coal from Eastern Coalfields Limited areas, with proceeds laundered through a hawala network. According to the agency, part of the funds were routed to Indian Pac Consulting Private Limited (I-PAC), linking the firm to the alleged money trail.