You have not yet added any article to your bookmarks!
Join 10k+ people to get notified about new posts, news and tips.
Do not worry we don't spam!
Post by : Meena Ariff
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday made serious allegations against West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, claiming she interfered with an ongoing money laundering investigation linked to an alleged coal smuggling network in the state. According to the federal agency, Banerjee entered the residence of a political consultant during a raid and removed crucial evidence, including documents and electronic devices.
In an official statement, the ED said the incident took place during search operations conducted at multiple locations in West Bengal and Delhi. The searches were part of a long-running investigation that originated from a 2020 case registered by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into an alleged coal smuggling syndicate. The network is reportedly led by Anup Majhi, also known as “Lala,” who is accused of illegally mining and stealing coal from Eastern Coalfields’ leasehold areas near Asansol in West Bengal’s Paschim Bardhaman district.
The ED alleged that during the raid at the Kolkata residence of Pratik Jain, co-founder of a political consultancy firm and a senior leader associated with the ruling party’s IT wing, the chief minister arrived with a large police contingent. The agency claimed that Banerjee took away key evidence from the premises while the search was still in progress.
The probe agency further stated that Banerjee later went to the consultancy firm’s office in the Salt Lake area of Kolkata, where she, along with her aides and state police officials, allegedly removed additional physical records and electronic devices. The ED described these actions as a major obstruction to its investigation under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
According to the ED, the searches were being carried out in a “peaceful and professional manner” before the chief minister’s arrival. The agency also claimed that a hawala operator connected to the coal smuggling operation had facilitated transactions involving tens of crores of rupees to the consultancy firm, alleging financial links that are now under scrutiny.
Responding to possible political allegations, the ED clarified that the investigation is evidence-based and not aimed at any political party or election process. It stressed that no party office was searched and that the action forms part of a routine crackdown on money laundering activities, conducted strictly within legal frameworks.
The developments have added a fresh layer of political and legal tension in West Bengal, as the allegations are likely to spark sharp reactions and further debate in the days ahead.
Trump warns China on Taiwan, says any change would upset him
Donald Trump says Taiwan’s future depends on Xi Jinping but warns he would be unhappy if China tries
Gold Prices Slide as Strong Dollar and Futures Selling Weigh
Gold prices dipped as investors adjusted positions ahead of a commodity index reshuffle, while a str
Yash’s Toxic to Clash with Ranveer’s Dhurandhar 2 on March 19 Release
Yash’s Toxic and Ranveer Singh’s Dhurandhar 2 will battle at the box office on March 19, promising a
Australia Wins Final Ashes Test, Clinches Series 4-1; Khawaja Retires
Australia won the final Ashes Test by 5 wickets, sealing a 4-1 series win. Usman Khawaja retired aft
Malaysia Declares 2026 as ‘Year of Execution’ for 13MP Rollout
Malaysia’s Economy Minister says 2026 will focus on execution, ensuring 13MP policies turn into real
Trump Unveils New Tariffs on Iraq, Brazil and the Philippines
Donald Trump issues new tariff letters to eight countries, imposing duties up to 50 percent, citing
