Archive · 10 Jan 2026
Mamata Banerjee Defies ED Raids
Mamata Banerjee, the Chief Minister of West Bengal, recently intervened during an ED raid on the offices of I-PAC, a political consultancy firm linked to her party, the TMC.
She accused the ED of trying to steal sensitive political data, including candidate lists and campaign materials, alleging that the raids were politically motivated.
The BJP and ED, however, maintain that the raids were part of a legitimate investigation into a coal smuggling case.
Banerjee's actions have been criticized by BJP leaders as unethical and unconstitutional, while she defends her intervention as necessary to protect her party's interests.
The incident has sparked a political storm, with Banerjee accusing the BJP of misusing central agencies like the ED, IT, and CBI as political tools to target opposition parties.
The legal and political battle is set to intensify with the Calcutta High Court's intervention.
Mamata Banerjee intervened during an ED raid on I-PAC offices, accusing the agency of trying to steal sensitive political data.
The BJP and ED maintain that the raids were part of a legitimate investigation into a coal smuggling case.
Banerjee's actions have been criticized by BJP leaders as unethical and unconstitutional, while she defends her intervention as necessary to protect her party's interests.
Banerjee accuses the BJP of misusing central agencies like the ED, IT, and CBI as political tools to target opposition parties.
The Calcutta High Court refused an urgent hearing on the case, adjourning it to July 14, 2024.
- Who
- Mamata Banerjee, Ravi Shankar Prasad, Pratik Jain, Suvendu Adhikari, TMC leaders, BJP leaders
- What
- Mamata Banerjee defies ED raids on I-PAC office, alleging political motivation and misuse of central agencies
- When
- January 9, 2024
- Where
- Kolkata, West Bengal, India
- Why
- To protest against what she perceives as the BJP's misuse of central agencies and to protect TMC's internal strategy and sensitive political data
Mamata Banerjee and TMC
BJP and ED
Nature of the Raids
Mamata Banerjee and TMC
Banerjee alleges that the raids were politically motivated and aimed at stealing TMC's internal strategy and sensitive political data, including candidate lists and campaign materials.
BJP and ED
The BJP and ED maintain that the raids were part of a legitimate investigation into a coal smuggling case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and deny any political motivation.
Banerjee's Actions
Mamata Banerjee and TMC
Banerjee defends her actions, stating she intervened to prevent the seizure of sensitive party documents and to protect her party's interests, emphasizing her role as TMC chairperson rather than Chief Minister.
BJP and ED
BJP leaders, including Ravi Shankar Prasad, criticize Banerjee's actions as unethical, irresponsible, and unconstitutional, accusing her of obstructing a central agency's investigation and removing key evidence.
Use of Central Agencies
Mamata Banerjee and TMC
Banerjee and TMC leaders accuse the BJP of misusing central agencies like the ED, IT, and CBI as political tools to target opposition parties, alleging that these agencies function as the BJP's private army.
BJP and ED
BJP leaders defend the ED's actions, citing past instances of investigations and accusing Banerjee of interfering with lawful duties and protecting sensitive information out of fear of implication.
- Person A
- Mamata Banerjee
- Person B
- Ravi Shankar Prasad
- Event
- ED raids on I-PAC office and residence of Pratik Jain
- Location
- Kolkata, West Bengal
- Date
- January 9, 2024
- Issue
- Political raids and misuse of central agencies
- Organization
- TMC (Trinamool Congress)
- Allegations
- Stealing of TMC strategy and sensitive political data
- Firm Under Scrutiny
- R Kanti Lal
- Funds Involved
- Rs 20 crore
- Hearing Date
- July 14, 2024
Sources
Mehbooba calls Mamata ‘tigress’, says she will not surrender
If Jammu given statehood, then decision of J&K leaders to join Gandhi’s India stands negated: Mehbooba Mufti
Adhikari alleges Rs 16 cr ‘tainted’ money transfer to I-PAC account
ED raids meant to steal TMC strategy; BJP leaders linked to coal money, alleges Mamata
BJP thinks of ED, I-T & CBI as its private army: Pawan Khera on raids in Oppn-ruled states
BJP targets Mamata on ‘seizing’ documents, but has the proverbial ‘fighter’ just landed a poll weapon?
'Unsettling Precedent': I-PAC's First Reaction Amid Row Over ED Raids, Vows Full Cooperation With Probe
'Did nothing illegal, acted as TMC head': Mamata targets ED
I-PAC breaks silence after ED raids: Fully committed to continuing work - 'unfazed and unperturbed'
West Bengal: FIRs filed after Mamata Banerjee files two complaints against ED for I-PAC raids
Who is Pratik Jain? IIT alumnus, I-PAC co-founder and TMC IT cell head under ED scanner
MP CM Yadav criticises Mamata Banerjee’s conduct during ED action
'Hawala' Firm In I-PAC Probe Had Surfaced In Delhi Excise 'Scam' Case Too
ED Urges Calcutta HC To Order FIR, CBI Probe On Didi, Cops
They are trying to come to power in Bengal as they did in Maharashtra and Haryana: Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee after ED raids I-PAC office
I PAC case: ED’s plea for urgent hearing rejected by High Court
‘Stranger Things Conformity Gate’ is CPM’s take on Mamata Banerjee’s file dash in ED showdown
'If I Am Attacked, I Am Reborn': Mamata Banerjee After I-PAC Raids
ED Row Sparks Return Of Mamata In OG Street Fighter Avatar, BJP Says It 'Won't Save Her This Time'
From Kashmir raid ‘lab’, Mehbooba Mufti lauds ‘tigress’ Mamata Banerjee - Telegraph India
Trinamool protest at Shah door: After detention of MPs, Mamata condemns 'arrogance in uniform'