Archive · 20 Jul 2026
Court Refuses to Stay ED Probe into TMC Funds
The Calcutta High Court has decided not to stop an investigation by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) into the Trinamool Congress (TMC) party funds.
The ED claims that the TMC has been involved in money laundering, transferring large amounts of money to different entities.
The ED has frozen six of the TMC's 36 bank accounts, which hold a total of Rs.
164 crores.
The TMC argues that the ED's actions are politically motivated and that the agency has not proven any illegal activity.
The court said it cannot decide at this stage whether the transfers were legal or illegal and that the TMC can challenge the ED's allegations later.
The Calcutta High Court refused to stay the ED's investigation into the TMC's funds.
The ED alleges money laundering through the TMC's 36 bank accounts, freezing six of them.
The ED claims Rs. 133.84 crore was transferred to Carewell Aviation India Private Limited for diversion.
The TMC argues the ED's actions are politically motivated and lack evidence of illegal activity.
The court stated it cannot determine the legality of the transfers at this stage and that the TMC can challenge the ED's allegations later.
- Who
- Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED)
- What
- Investigation into alleged money laundering through TMC's funds
- When
- ECIR registered on June 23, freezing orders issued on July 7
- Where
- Calcutta High Court
- Why
- ED alleges diversion of funds and money laundering, TMC claims political motivation
Enforcement Directorate (ED)
Trinamool Congress (TMC)
Nature of the Investigation
Enforcement Directorate (ED)
The ED alleges money laundering through the TMC's funds, with substantial transfers to various entities, including Carewell Aviation India Private Limited, which appears to have been incorporated for diverting funds.
Trinamool Congress (TMC)
The TMC argues that the ED's actions are politically motivated and that the agency has not identified any specific proceeds of crime.
Legality of the Freezing Orders
Enforcement Directorate (ED)
The ED claims that the freezing of accounts is necessary to prevent the diversion of funds and is based on evidence of money laundering.
Trinamool Congress (TMC)
The TMC contends that the freezing of accounts is arbitrary and disregards constitutional and statutory safeguards.
- Date of ECIR Registration
- June 23
- Number of Bank Accounts
- 36
- Amount Frozen
- Rs. 133.84 Crore
- Banks Involved
- HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank
- Legal Basis for Freezing Orders
- Section 17(1A) of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002
- Court's Decision
- Refused to stay the ED's investigation and freezing of accounts