Kolkata: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has approached the Calcutta High Court seeking permission to file a petition alleging obstruction in its ongoing money laundering probe, following the unexpected arrival of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee at the residence of Pratik Jain, director of political consultancy firm I-PAC, during raids conducted by the agency on Thursday.

Background of the Raids

The ED carried out coordinated searches at 10 locations—six in West Bengal and four in Delhi—as part of an investigation into alleged money laundering activities in the state. Among the sites were the residence of Pratik Jain in south Kolkata and the I-PAC office in Salt Lake, a firm known for providing political consultancy, IT, and media services for the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC).

Mamata Banerjee’s Intervention

During the raid at Jain’s residence, Mamata Banerjee reportedly arrived with a team of aides and police personnel. The ED alleged that she removed physical documents and electronic devices, which were crucial evidence for the probe. Following this, Banerjee went to the I-PAC office in Salt Lake, where the agency claims she forcibly retrieved additional documents and electronic evidence.

ED’s Response

The Enforcement Directorate argued that Banerjee’s actions, along with the presence of the Kolkata Police Commissioner, led to obstructions in the investigation under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

A lawyer representing the ED brought the matter to Justice Suvra Ghosh in the Calcutta High Court, seeking permission to file a petition to ensure the probe could proceed without interference.

The ED clarified that the raids were evidence-based and not politically motivated. “No party office has been searched,” the agency stated, adding, “The search is not linked to any elections and is part of a regular crackdown on money laundering. It is conducted strictly in accordance with established legal safeguards.”

I-PAC’s Stand

Meanwhile, I-PAC has approached the High Court to challenge the legality of the ED’s raids, raising concerns over the lawfulness and conduct of the searches.

Current Status

The High Court will decide on the ED’s request to file the petition, which could determine whether the agency can continue its investigation without obstruction from political figures or local authorities.

This episode has intensified the political and legal drama in West Bengal, highlighting the friction between the state government and federal investigative agencies in high-profile financial probes.