ED I-PAC Raid Case: The Supreme Court on Thursday stayed the FIR filed by the Kolkata Police against the Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials, following raids carried out on the premises of the I-PAC co-founder, Pratik Jain, who is also the TMC IT cell head. The apex court issued notice to the Bengal government, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, State DGP Rajeev Kumar and others on the ED's plea alleging 'obstruction' during the raid in Kolkata, related to the money laundering case.
Directing the West Bengal police to protect CCTV footage of raids on I-PAC premises, the top court said it is necessary to examine the issue so that offenders aren't allowed to be protected under the shield of the state's law-enforcing agencies.
There are larger questions which emerge in ED's plea; if not answered it shall lead to lawlessness, the court said, posting the ED's plea for hearing on February 3.
What Mamata Govt Said On Allegation To Snatch Electronic Devices
Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal, presenting the Bengal government told the Supreme Court that the allegation that CM Banerjee took all devices was a lie and it was substantiated by the ED's own panchnama (search record).
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Earlier, the ED moved to the Supreme Court, alleging interference and obstruction by the West Bengal government, including by CM Banerjee, in its probe and search operation at the I-PAC office and the premises of its director, Pratik Jain, in connection with an alleged coal-pilferage scam.
The West Bengal government also filed a caveat in the top court, seeking that no order should be passed without hearing it in connection with the ED raids against political-consultancy firm I-PAC last week. A caveat is filed by a litigant in high courts and the Supreme Court to ensure that no adverse order is passed against it without it being heard.
What Happened On January 8?
During the search operation led by the ED on January, Banerjee reached the I-PAC office along with senior TMC leaders, confronted the probing officials and allegedly took away documents from the premises. The chief minister has accused the central agency of overreach. The West Bengal Police also registered an FIR against ED officers. The ED has also alleged that Banerjee entered the raid sites and took away "key" evidence, including physical documents and electronic devices, from the premises of I-PAC and obstructed and interfered with the investigation in the case.
The TMC has denied the ED's allegation of obstruction. It has further alleged that the ED action against I-PAC, the election consultant of the party, was aimed at accessing confidential election-strategy material. The party has maintained that I-PAC functions as its election strategist and that the ED's action was intended to disrupt its electoral preparations rather than pursuing any bona-fide investigation in the case.
(With PTI inputs)