Mamata Banerjee Accuses ED of Misconduct Amid Ongoing Investigations

In recent political developments, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has accused the Enforcement Directorate of misconduct during raids linked to the Trinamool Congress. Activist Sharjeel Imam has denied any connection to Umar Khalid amid allegations of conspiracy related to the 2020 Delhi riots. Additionally, President Trump has approved a bill that could impose steep tariffs on countries purchasing Russian oil. Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir's Chief Minister has promised to accommodate students affected by the closure of a medical institute. Read on for more insights into these unfolding stories.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 8, 2026, 19:36 IST

ED Raids Linked to Trinamool Congress

West Bengal's Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has claimed that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) is attempting to seize documents related to the Trinamool Congress during their recent searches at the political consultancy firm I-PAC, which has been instrumental in managing the party's election strategies.

The ED conducted searches at various locations, including the I-PAC office in Kolkata's Salt Lake area, the residence of I-PAC head Pratik Jain, and a trader's office in the Posta area. This operation was initiated following an FIR lodged by the Central Bureau of Investigation concerning an alleged coal smuggling operation. The ED stated that their actions are based on evidence and are not aimed at any political entity.

The agency accused Banerjee of entering Jain's home and removing crucial evidence, including physical documents and electronic devices. Subsequently, the ED approached the Calcutta High Court, alleging that there was 'illegal interference' during their operations.

Sharjeel Imam Denies Links to Umar Khalid

Activist Sharjeel Imam has refuted claims made by the Delhi Police that Umar Khalid, who is also accused in the alleged conspiracy behind the 2020 Delhi riots, is his mentor. Imam stated that he never interacted with Khalid during their five years at Jawaharlal Nehru University.

He emphasized that to prove a conspiracy, there must be evidence of an agreement between the parties involved, which he claims the prosecution has failed to demonstrate. Imam noted that there was only one instance where he and Khalid were seen together, and even the witness testimony from that occasion indicated that there was no discussion of violence.

Trump's Bill Targets Russian Oil Purchases

President Donald Trump has endorsed a legislative proposal that could impose tariffs as high as 500% on nations purchasing Russian oil, according to Senator Lindsey Graham. This bill aims to provide Trump with significant leverage over countries like China, India, and Brazil, encouraging them to halt their purchases of Russian oil.

Graham mentioned that the bill might be presented for a vote in Congress next week, with expectations of bipartisan support. Currently, Indian goods are facing a combined tariff rate of 50% from the U.S. due to a trade dispute, which has been exacerbated by Trump's campaign against nations buying discounted oil from Russia amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Jammu and Kashmir Government's Response to Medical Institute Closure

Omar Abdullah, Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, announced that the government will ensure that students affected by the closure of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence will be accommodated in other institutions through the creation of supernumerary seats.

Abdullah, a leader of the National Conference, stressed the need for accountability if the institute's standards were not upheld. He also urged the Union government to consider the negative impact on students' futures caused by the institute's shutdown.