I-PAC raid: ED seeks CBI probe against CM Mamata, top police officers for taking...

Key Highlights

• The Enforcement Directorate alleged that during lawful search proceedings, “digital devices, electronic storage media, and key incriminating documents were forcibly removed, seized away, concealed and stolen from lawful custody of ED officers by the Hon’ble Chief Minister with the aid of state police.” Banerjee unexpectedly arrived at the office of the I-PAC, which provides political consultancy to the TMC, and the residence of Jain during raids on Thursday.
• There was “direct” involvement of the highest political executive and abuse of police power, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) alleged and demanded a CBI probe into the matter.
• It urged the high court to “direct the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to register FIR(s) and investigate the entire incident, including the role of the present respondents being the chief minister, police officials, and all persons acting in concert”.
• The agency added that a probe by the CBI was essential as both the Calcutta High Court and the Supreme Court have consistently held that where the “high and mighty” in the state are involved in the commission of cognizable offences, investigation ought to be transferred to the CBI.
• The ED also sought “immediate seizure, sealing, forensic preservation, and restoration to lawful custody of the ED” of all digital devices, electronic records, storage media, and documents “illegally and forcibly” taken away from the search premises.