- By Yashashvi Tak
- Mon, 12 Jan 2026 02:45 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Monday sought directions for the registration of an FIR against West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, the state’s Director General of Police, and the Kolkata Police Commissioner for allegedly obstructing its probe and tampering with or destroying evidence in a multi-state money-laundering case involving I-PAC. The agency has also requested that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) take over the probe into the alleged obstruction of its search operations conducted in Kolkata last week, after hearings in the Calcutta High Court were deferred.
The agency stated that it is “not a solitary incident where such illegal actions and offences have been committed by her and her officers against officers of investigating agencies carrying out their duties under respective statutes”.
Meanwhile, the West Bengal government has filed a caveat in the apex Court seeking that no order should be passed without hearing it.
ED has told the court that the situation in West Bengal reflects a serious breakdown of the rule of law, alleging that even the state’s top constitutional and police authorities are involved in offences that legally require the registration of an FIR. Citing the Supreme Court’s 2014 judgment in Lalita Kumari vs Government of Uttar Pradesh, the agency said the CM, along with the Director General of Police and the Kolkata Police Commissioner, are bound by law to ensure such cases are formally recorded.
In its submission, the ED further alleged that CM Mamata Banerjee has repeatedly interfered in criminal investigations, claiming she routinely deploys the state police to obstruct probes that may uncover evidence against herself, her ministers, party members or certain officials allegedly acting in coordination with them.
Kolkata I-PAC Raid
The ED said it is probing a multi-state money laundering case involving alleged proceeds of crime amounting to Rs 2,742.32 crore, linked to illegal coal mining and resulting in losses to the public exchequer.
2. As part of the investigation, ED officials conducted a search at the residence of I-PAC founder Pratik Jain after receiving material indicating the receipt of over ₹20 crore in suspected illegal funds.
3. The agency claimed that during the search, the West Bengal Chief Minister, along with the Chief Secretary, DGP, Kolkata Police Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner of Police and other officials, entered the premises.
4. According to the plea, the officials allegedly intimidated and threatened the ED team while the operation was underway.
5. The agency further alleged that files and electronic devices containing incriminating evidence, which had already been seized under provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, were forcibly taken away from its officers.
6. The ED said its officers were subsequently threatened and prevented from continuing the search operation at the premises.