‘Terrorised, Not Weaponised’: ED Claims Mamata Banerjee Used Z+ Security To Halt I-PAC Raid

Last Updated:February 18, 2026, 15:17 IST

The ED has alleged that Mamata Banerjee entered the premises during the search and took possession of documents and digital devices.

The Enforcement Directorate has filed a petition under Article 32 before the Supreme Court against the State of West Bengal, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and others. The case relates to a search conducted on January 8 at the Kolkata office of I-PAC in connection with a coal smuggling money laundering probe.

A bench of Justices Prashant Kumar Mishra and KV Viswanathan was hearing the matter. Additional Solicitor General SV Raju told the court that the agency had been “terrorised", responding to a claim that it had been “weaponised".

ED allegations against Mamata

The ED has alleged that Mamata Banerjee entered the premises during the search and took possession of documents and digital devices. It claimed she halted the backup of computer data, removed CCTV storage and used her Z+ security for coercion.

The agency said it had to end the search to avoid physical confrontation. It rejected her claim that the officers allowed her to take the material, calling it untrue.

The ED has told the court that its officers’ fundamental rights were violated. It said officials have the right to move freely and carry out lawful duties. It alleged intimidation, wrongful confinement and abuse of state machinery.

The agency also dismissed the state police claim that they were probing armed impersonators, stating that its officers showed identity cards and search warrants. It said there is no legal requirement to inform state police before a search.

The ED said the search warrant was in the name of Indian-PAC Consulting Private Limited. It alleged that Rs 20 crore from illegal coal mining was routed through hawala networks, converted into cash in Goa and channelled into I-PAC’s operations.

Call for CBI probe

The ED has urged the Supreme Court to order a CBI inquiry, saying it is needed to end “lawlessness" in West Bengal. It said repeated obstruction by the state administration has affected its investigation.

However, the Trinamool Congress has denied the allegations and claimed the raid aimed to access election strategy material. The West Bengal police has filed an FIR against ED officers.

Earlier, the Calcutta High Court recorded the ED’s statement that it had not seized anything from the I-PAC office or its director Prateek Jain.

News india ‘Terrorised, Not Weaponised’: ED Claims Mamata Banerjee Used Z+ Security To Halt I-PAC Raid

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