ED Moves Supreme Court Alleging Obstruction by Mamata Banerjee Govt in I-PAC Coal Scam Probe

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has approached the Supreme Court by filing a petition under Article 32, alleging that its investigation into the I-PAC-linked coal smuggling case was deliberately hindered by the West Bengal government and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. In its plea, the central agency has sought a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), asserting that its constitutional right to conduct a free, fair and independent investigation was obstructed by state authorities.

In its submission, the ED has described a tense confrontation during search operations at premises connected to political consultancy firm Indian Political Action Committee (I-PAC), which has served as an election strategist for the Trinamool Congress (TMC). The agency claims that its officials faced resistance while carrying out lawful searches related to the coal smuggling probe.

Alleged Obstruction and ₹10 Crore Trail

According to the ED, its officers were prevented from seizing key documents and electronic devices linked to the investigation. The agency alleged that materials were forcibly removed from the premises in the presence of senior state officials, amounting to a serious obstruction of justice. The plea comes amid growing political and legal friction between the ED and the TMC-led West Bengal government.

The agency has further claimed that proceeds of crime amounting to nearly ₹10 crore were channelled to I-PAC through hawala transactions. It has alleged that the firm received payments from the Trinamool Congress for consultancy services provided during the 2022 Goa Assembly elections. Anticipating legal action by the ED, the West Bengal government has already filed a caveat in the Supreme Court, requesting that no order be passed without hearing the state’s position.

Proceedings Before the Calcutta High Court

Earlier, the ED had moved the Calcutta High Court seeking registration of an FIR against Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, accusing her of interfering with search operations. However, hearings on the matter were deferred after both a single-judge bench and a division bench adjourned proceedings until after January 14.

In response, the Trinamool Congress and I-PAC filed counter-petitions, arguing that the documents seized during the raids were related solely to election strategy and therefore fell outside the scope of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. They also accused the ED of attempting to unlawfully access confidential political and organisational data.

Kolkata Police Case Against ED Officials

Meanwhile, the Kolkata Police have launched an investigation against ED officials following FIRs alleging theft of documents during searches at the residence and office of I-PAC founder Pratik Jain. Officials stated that CCTV footage, DVR recordings and witness testimonies are being scrutinised as part of the probe.

Police have alleged that ED and CRPF personnel conducted raids without prior intimation, failed to properly display search warrants and obstructed local police officers. FIRs have been registered under various criminal provisions, including charges related to trespass and violations of the Information Technology Act.

With the matter now before the Supreme Court, the legal battle has entered a decisive stage, as the ED seeks judicial intervention to safeguard the autonomy and independence of central investigative agencies.