ED alleges CM Mamata Banerjee disrupted raid, removed evidence in coal smuggling probe
PTC Web Desk: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has reported disruptions during search operations carried out on Thursday as part of an ongoing financial investigation connected to an alleged coal diversion network operating in West Bengal.
According to officials familiar with the matter, the searches were conducted at multiple locations across West Bengal and Delhi in relation to a case that originated from a 2020 Central Bureau of Investigation inquiry into illegal coal movement from Eastern Coalfields Limited areas in Paschim Bardhaman district. The probe focuses on suspected financial gains generated through unauthorised coal extraction and transportation.
The ED stated that during the operation in Kolkata, state’s CM Mamata Banerjee arrived at premises linked to Indian PAC Consulting Pvt Ltd, following which materials relevant to the inquiry were no longer available to investigators. The agency has noted that both paper records and digital storage devices were among the items affected.
Officials further indicated that a second location connected to the consultancy firm was also visited later, where similar issues were encountered. The agency has recorded these developments as part of its internal proceedings under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.
Investigators are examining financial flows allegedly routed through informal channels, which are suspected to be linked to the coal network. As part of this analysis, transactions involving Indian PAC Consulting Pvt Ltd have come under review. The firm is known for providing political consultancy services.
The ED has maintained that the enforcement action was undertaken strictly on the basis of financial inputs and documentary evidence. It has also clarified that no political party office formed part of the search exercise and that the investigation is not connected to any electoral activity.
The agency is expected to place its findings related to the search disruptions on record as the inquiry progresses.
- With inputs from agencies
