Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Tuesday launched simultaneous search operations across Kolkata and Salt Lake as part of an ongoing investigation into matters linked to Trinamool Congress (TMC) bank accounts. Officials from the central agency conducted raids at five locations, including an address near Lalbazar in central Kolkata and the residence of a businessman in Salt Lake’s CG Block.
According to sources within the agency, the Salt Lake-based businessman owns multiple companies, one of which — Carewell Aviation — provides chartered flight services. Investigators claim that the company had previously offered chartered flights to several VVIPs associated with Bengal’s former ruling party. As a result, its financial transactions, documents, and related records are currently under scrutiny.
The probe originates from a controversy surrounding TMC bank accounts. Following internal rifts and leadership tussles after the Assembly elections, former treasurer Aroop Biswas had reportedly written to bank authorities requesting that certain party accounts be frozen, identifying himself as the treasurer in the communication. The development sparked debate in both political and legal circles.
The matter took a fresh turn on June 18, when a legislator from South 24 Parganas filed a complaint at the Bidhannagar Cyber Police Station, alleging that funds from a major cyber fraud racket had been routed into several bank accounts, some of which were suspected to be linked to the TMC. Based on the complaint, police registered an FIR, and the following day, authorities ordered a temporary halt on debit transactions from three bank accounts under scrutiny. ED subsequently took over the investigation.
Tuesday’s raids are believed to be part of this ongoing probe. Investigators are gathering information related to financial transactions, bank account details, company records, and the possible source and utilisation of funds. They are also examining whether there is any financial link between the alleged irregularities and the chartered flight services company.
The developments come against the backdrop of a recent controversy within TMC over the use of chartered flights by party leaders during the previous government’s tenure. Two factions within the party — the Ritabrata camp and the Kalighat camp — had publicly taken opposing positions on the issue, adding a political dimension to the unfolding investigation.
While the ED has not issued an official statement due to the ongoing nature of the probe, sources said multiple aspects — including the suspected fund trail linked to cyber fraud, relevant bank accounts, and corporate financial transactions — are being closely examined.
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