ED Moves Supreme Court, Seeks CBI Probe Into 'Obstruction' By Mamata Banerjee

New Delhi: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Monday filed a petition in the Supreme Court, asking the country's top court to order a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into 17 offences under BNS allegedly committed by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and senior police officials. 

The agency says the matter is serious enough that only an independent investigation can uncover the truth. 

Why Is the ED in Court?

The ED's petition stems from an incident on January 8 in Kolkata, when the agency was carrying out searches linked to a multi-state money-laundering and coal smuggling case. The searches were underway at the residence of Pratik Jain, a director at Indian Political Action Committee (I-PAC), and the I-PAC office. 

According to the ED, while its officers were conducting the raid, Mamata Banerjee, backed by the state's Director General of Police, the Kolkata Police Commissioner and a large police contingent, allegedly entered the premises. 

The agency claims the team intimidated its officers and forcefully took files and digital devices away from the search site.

What Charges Are Being Sought?

In its petition, the ED has alleged 17 offences under the new Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). These include theft, robbery, criminal intimidation, wrongful restraint, and destruction or concealment of evidence.

"To the shock and surprise of ED officers and everyone concerned, the CM along with chief secretary, DGP, Kolkata police commissioner and deputy police commissioner along with cops and officials barged into premises under the search. They not only started intimidating ED officers but also snatched the files and electronic evidence containing incriminating material from the officers," ED said.

The agency says these actions hindered its lawful work and undermined the investigation.

"Officers of the petitioners were threatened and were not permitted to conduct any further search on the premises. The searches were conducted at two places - one at residence of Pratik Jain and second office premise of one company called Indian Pac Consulting Pvt Ltd," it said.

The ED wants the Supreme Court to direct the CBI to register First Information Reports (FIRs) against Banerjee, the police officials named, and others who may have been involved. It has also asked the court to protect its officers from retaliatory legal action.

ED said, "Protectors of law - the CM, DGP and Kolkata police commissioner are party to serious cognisable offences requiring registration of an FIR."

What Has the State Government Said?

The West Bengal government has strongly denied the ED's claims. Ahead of the Supreme Court hearing, it filed a caveat, a formal notice asking the court not to pass orders without hearing the state's side. TMC leaders have described the ED's move as politically motivated and aimed at disrupting their work in the run-up to elections.