Top Court Flags Serious ED Allegations
The Supreme Court on Thursday strongly criticised the West Bengal government over the alleged obstruction of Enforcement Directorate raids at I-PAC premises in Kolkata. Acting on the ED’s petition, the court issued notices to the Bengal government, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, and senior police officials. The bench called the allegations “very serious.” It agreed to examine whether state agencies can legally interfere with a central agency’s probe into grave offences. As a result, the matter has now assumed wider constitutional significance.
Hearing Date Set, CCTV Footage to Be Secured
During the hearing, the court observed that unanswered questions could lead to lawlessness. Therefore, it fixed February 3 as the next date of hearing. Meanwhile, it directed the West Bengal police to secure and preserve CCTV footage from the ED raids at I-PAC premises. The court also granted interim relief to ED officials. Consequently, it stayed FIRs filed against agency officers. According to PTI, the bench stressed the need for accountability during high-stakes investigations.
Notices Issued to Mamata and Top Police Officers
A bench of Justices Prashant Kumar Mishra and Vipul Pancholi issued notices to Mamata Banerjee, the state government, DGP Rajeev Kumar, and other senior officers. While rapping the Bengal government, the court said it must ensure that offenders do not get protection under the cover of state law enforcement. However, the court also drew a clear line. It said central agencies cannot interfere with election-related work unless they act in good faith to probe serious offences.
ED Cites Obstruction, Bengal Flags Political Motive
The ED moved the Supreme Court after alleged obstruction during raids on I-PAC, a political consultancy linked to the Trinamool Congress. The agency claimed that Mamata Banerjee rushed to the premises during the operation and that officials removed evidence. In its plea, the ED sought suspension of key police officers, including the DGP and Kolkata Police Commissioner. Meanwhile, Banerjee rejected the charges. She called the raids politically motivated and unconstitutional. She also claimed ED officials tried to seize party documents and sensitive data. Videos from the scene later surfaced online, adding to the political and legal confrontation.
