The Supreme Court has hit pause on a explosive petition filed by the Enforcement Directorate against West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee, deferring the matter to March 18. This comes amid allegations of meddling during ED raids on I-PAC, the Trinamool Congress’s poll strategy firm in Kolkata.
During the brief hearing, ED’s Solicitor General promised swift filing of the agency’s rejoinder. The central probe body alleges that Banerjee, along with DGP Rajeev Kumar and Police Commissioner Manoj Kumar, intervened to thwart searches linked to a money laundering investigation.
Banerjee fired back in her affidavit, charging ED with pilfering confidential TMC data on elections and internal strategies. She justified rushing to the I-PAC office upon learning of the raid, insisting her intent was to safeguard party secrets, not impede officials.
This face-off highlights simmering tensions between the Centre and Bengal’s ruling dispensation. Critics view ED’s moves as politically motivated, while supporters argue it’s essential enforcement against corruption.
With the next date set, legal experts predict a thorough examination of evidence on interference claims. The outcome could influence not just this probe but future interactions between enforcement arms and state leaders. Political circles in Delhi and Kolkata are glued to every update, as the saga unfolds.