I-PAC Raid: ED accuses TMC of orchestrating commotion inside Calcutta High Court

Kolkata: The legal cell of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) allegedly orchestrated the commotion inside the Calcutta High Court during the January 9 hearing in the case between the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and I-PAC, the central agency has claimed before the Supreme Court.

What had happened inside the Calcutta High Court?

The commotion prompted the judge to storm out barely five minutes into the proceedings. WhatsApp chats cited by the ED in the Supreme Court allegedly reveal TMC plans to disrupt the proceedings of the court.

What did the TMC message say?

The TMC messages urged lawyers and party workers to gather and join West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s rally against the ED raids at the I-PAC premises.

"At 1 pm today, there will be a gathering at B Gate. Everyone is requested to come. We will be going to the rally of Hon’ble Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Bus and car arrangements have been made," the message read.

How has Mamata Banerjee reacted to the ED raids?

Mamata Banerjee calls herself a street fighter, and she has consistently demonstrated this by taking to the streets. However, her street fighting is gradually transforming into guerrilla politics. Until now, it has been observed that no matter the issue, Mamata Banerjee takes to the streets, manipulates the situation to her advantage, and subsequently reaps electoral benefits.

In the I-PAC case, the gamble backfired. The Calcutta High Court dismissed the Trinamool Congress's petition. The immediate concern is mitigated because the hearing has been adjourned, as the matter is now before the Supreme Court. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has filed a petition in the Supreme Court, and Mamata Banerjee has filed a caveat to ensure her side is also heard.

What has the ED demanded?

In the Supreme Court, the ED has demanded that an FIR be registered against Mamata Banerjee and several senior police officers. Shuvendu Adhikari, the Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, has demanded the arrest of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Adhikari has also announced that he will pursue legal action against Mamata Banerjee for accusing Union Home Minister Amit Shah of involvement in the coal scam.

What action is the ED planning against Mamata Banerjee?

The Enforcement Directorate has claimed that the raid on the I-PAC office in Kolkata was also conducted in connection with the coal scam investigation. However, Mamata Banerjee has accused the ED of conducting the raid to obtain private documents related to the TMC's election strategy.

The exchange of accusations regarding the coal scam has escalated significantly. Mamata Banerjee has even targeted Union Home Minister Amit Shah through BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari in connection with the coal scam allegations. Mamata Banerjee has seriously alleged that the money from the coal scam was channeled to Amit Shah through Suvendu Adhikari and other BJP leaders. After Mamata Banerjee's statement, Suvendu Adhikari sent her a legal notice, demanding that she provide evidence within 72 hours to prove his involvement in the coal scam. Adhikari had stated that if she failed to do so, he would file both civil and criminal defamation cases against her.