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The political crisis in West Bengal has intensified after the Enforcement Directorate moved the Calcutta High Court over alleged obstruction during I-PAC raids. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has filed complaints at two police stations, calling the action politically motivated.
Calcutta HC to Hear ED Plea Against Mamata Over I-PAC Searches
Kolkata: The storm that has engulfed West Bengal politics following the Enforcement Directorate's (ED) raid on political consultancy firm I-PAC has now reached the judicial stage. A crucial hearing in the matter is scheduled for today in the Calcutta High Court. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has further fueled the controversy by filing complaints at two police stations.
In the petition filed in the High Court, the ED alleges that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, by abusing her constitutional position, obstructed the central agency's legitimate proceedings. The agency alleges that ED officials were obstructed during searches at the Kolkata office of I-PAC and the residence of its co-founder Pratik Jain and directly interfered with the investigation.
The Trinamool Congress has termed the ED's action as "political vendetta." The party claims that the premises raided was the party's IT office. This action, which occurred amid the ongoing Special Intensive Care Unit (SIR) in an election year, has further inflamed the already heated political atmosphere.
The ED alleges that digital devices and important documents seized during the search were forcibly taken or removed, an attempt to undermine the investigation. According to the agency, this is a direct violation of the law. Meanwhile, the TMC and I-PAC allege that the agency illegally seized confidential party documents.
Today, three petitions will be heard before a single bench of Justice Suvra Ghosh. The first is filed by the ED, the second by the ruling Trinamool Congress, and the third by I-PAC chief Pratik Jain. These petitions respond to each other's allegations and seek relief.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has filed complaints against ED officials at two different police stations. She alleged that the central agency acted beyond its jurisdiction and conducted the raids for political purposes.
Overall, this case has now become a battle of law vs. politics. The ED is calling it a matter of investigation and law, while the state government is calling it a political conspiracy. All eyes are now on today's hearing in the Kolkata High Court, which could determine the course of this conflict.
