ED Conducts Search at I-PAC Director's Residence Amidst Allegations Against Mamata Banerjee

ED's Allegations Against West Bengal Chief Minister

On Thursday, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) accused West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of entering the residence of Pratik Jain, the director of the political consultancy group I-PAC, during an ongoing search operation in Kolkata. The agency claimed that she took away significant evidence, including physical documents and electronic devices. According to the ED, the search was being conducted in a peaceful and professional manner until the arrival of Banerjee and a large contingent of police officers.

Legal Proceedings and Ongoing Investigations

The ED has approached the High Court regarding this matter, which is expected to hear the case on Friday. The agency stated that Banerjee's actions disrupted the ongoing investigation and proceedings under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

Clarifications from the ED

The agency clarified that the search was evidence-based and not aimed at targeting any political establishment. It emphasized that no party office was searched and that the operation was part of a regular investigation against money laundering.

Background of the Investigation

The ED's actions stem from an FIR filed by the Kolkata unit of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) against Anup Majhi and others, dated November 27, 2020. The investigation revealed that Majhi's coal smuggling gang was illegally mining coal from the Eastern Coalfields Limited (ECL) areas in West Bengal.

Coal Distribution and Sales

The illegally mined coal was reportedly sold to various factories and plants located in districts such as Bankura, Bardhaman, and Purulia. Investigations indicated that a significant portion of this coal was sold to companies associated with the Shakambhari group.