Supreme Court Examines ED Allegations of Obstruction by West Bengal Officials in I-PAC Raids

The Supreme Court is examining serious allegations by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) that West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and state officials obstructed its raids at the political consultancy firm I-PAC and its director's residence, linked to a coal smuggling probe. The court has issued notices to Mamata, senior police officers, and the state government, stayed FIRs against ED officials, and directed preservation of CCTV footage. The ED alleges interference, theft of evidence, and calls for suspension of police officials, while the TMC denies wrongdoing, citing political motives and election timing. The court also expressed concern over disruptions during related Calcutta High Court hearings, highlighting broader issues of federal agency autonomy and state interference.