The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has filed a petition under Article 32 before the Supreme Court, alleging that its investigation into the alleged I-PAC-linked coal scam was deliberately disrupted by the West Bengal government and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. The central agency has sought a court-monitored probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), claiming that state authorities curtailed its ability to function independently.

In its plea, the ED has argued that its statutory right to conduct an impartial investigation was compromised during search operations connected to political consultancy firm I-PAC, which has been associated with the Trinamool Congress’s election strategy. The agency has described the incident as a confrontation in which its officers were prevented from completing lawful searches and seizing material crucial to the case.

According to the ED, documents and electronic devices relevant to the coal smuggling investigation were forcibly removed from the premises while senior state officials and police personnel were present. The agency has maintained that such actions amounted to obstruction of justice and weakened the integrity of its probe.

The Supreme Court move comes amid intensifying legal and political friction between the central agency and the Trinamool Congress-led state government. The ED has alleged that institutional resistance from state authorities, including police intervention, made it impossible for its officers to carry out their duties freely.

Bengal Government Enters Caveat

Anticipating the ED’s approach to the apex court, the West Bengal government earlier filed a caveat, requesting that no orders be passed without first hearing its side. The move was intended to ensure that the state’s position is considered before any interim relief is granted to the central agency.

The controversy stems from ED searches conducted in Kolkata at locations linked to I-PAC as part of a wider investigation into an alleged multi-crore coal smuggling racket. The agency has claimed that nearly ₹10 crore in alleged proceeds of crime were routed to I-PAC through hawala channels, with payments allegedly linked to consultancy work for the Trinamool Congress during the 2022 Goa Assembly elections.

High Court Proceedings Put on Hold

Earlier this week, the ED had approached the Calcutta High Court seeking registration of an FIR against Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for allegedly obstructing search operations. However, hearings before both a single-judge bench and a division bench headed by the acting Chief Justice were deferred, with the matter scheduled to be taken up after January 14.

In response, the Trinamool Congress and I-PAC filed counter-petitions in the High Court, disputing the ED’s allegations. The ruling party has asserted that the seized documents pertained solely to election planning and campaign strategy, arguing that such material does not fall under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002. The party has accused the ED of attempting to access confidential political information under the cover of a financial probe.

Separately, the family of I-PAC chief Pratik Jain lodged complaints alleging theft of important documents during the searches. The ED has denied these claims, stating that all actions were taken strictly within the bounds of law.

Police Action Against ED Officials

Amid the legal tug-of-war, Kolkata Police have begun the process of identifying ED officials accused of stealing election-related material during raids at Pratik Jain’s residence and office. Investigators are examining CCTV footage, DVR data and witness statements, and notices are expected to be issued once identification is completed.

Police have alleged that ED and CRPF personnel conducted searches without proper intimation, hindered local officers and failed to present valid warrants. FIRs have been registered under criminal trespass and Information Technology Act provisions, and investigations are underway.

With the matter now before the Supreme Court, the confrontation has entered a decisive stage. The ED has urged the apex court to intervene, warning that without judicial safeguards, central agencies may find it increasingly difficult to operate independently in states where they face sustained resistance.