The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has levelled serious allegations against West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee during searches at the Kolkata residence of I-PAC Director Prateek Jain. The agency claimed that Mamata Banerjee arrived at the location with police personnel while the searches were in progress and removed crucial documents and electronic devices.
According to the ED, its officers were carrying out routine searches when the Chief Minister entered the premises along with her aides. The agency alleged that police officers accompanied her and that key evidence was taken away from the house during her visit.
The ED conducted the searches as part of an investigation into illegal coal smuggling and suspected hawala money transactions. Officials said their probe revealed financial dealings worth several crores of rupees between individuals linked to the case and I-PAC. The agency also claimed that the organisation had connections to hawala networks.
The ED clarified that its officers conducted the searches peacefully and followed standard legal procedures. It stressed that the operation did not target any political party and had no connection to elections.
These allegations have intensified political tensions in West Bengal. Meanwhile, the ED stated that it would continue the investigation based on available evidence and legal provisions.
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