The confrontation between the West Bengal government and central investigating agencies intensified further following the Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) search operations at the residence and office of election strategy firm I-PAC head Pratik Jain. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has now directly filed a complaint at a Kolkata police station against unidentified ED and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel, alleging theft of documents and illegal removal of sensitive data during the searches.
The complaint was lodged at the Shakespeare Sarani police station on behalf of the Chief Minister herself. Sources in Kolkata Police said Additional Officer-in-Charge (AOC) Shiladitya Pal has been appointed as the investigating officer in the case.
According to sources at Lalbazar police headquarters and the Bidhannagar Police Commissionerate, two separate complaints were registered at the police station on the same day, both reportedly initiated at the Chief Minister’s instance. One complaint was filed by Mamata, while the second was a suo motu case registered by the police.
The police complaint alleges that information was stolen during the ED search and state government employees were intimidated. It also includes charges of obstruction of official duties. In her complaint, the Chief Minister has alleged the disappearance and theft of important documents, along with the illegal removal of electronic data, documents and sensitive information. However, the complaint does not name any specific officer and has been filed against unidentified ED and CRPF personnel.
The developments follow Thursday morning’s simultaneous search operations conducted by the ED at Jain’s residence on Loudon Street and his office in Sector V, Salt Lake, in connection with the coal smuggling case. During the searches, Mamata arrived at both locations. In several instances, she was seen holding documents, while members of her security detail were also observed collecting papers and placing them in her vehicle.
Since then, tensions between the state government and the central agency have escalated sharply. The Chief Minister has described the incident as a “crime” and alleged that documents related to crucial election and political strategies were forcibly taken away. She has also accused the ED of abusing its power.
The ED issued a counter-statement, levelling serious allegations against the Chief Minister and the state police. The agency claimed that Mamata and police personnel forcibly removed documents and electronic evidence during the searches, thereby obstructing the investigation.
Also read: Mamata to protest against ED raids on I-PAC office
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