ED Raids I-PAC Chief in Kolkata, Mamata Banerjee’s Sudden Intervention Sparks Heated Controversy

What began as a routine Enforcement Directorate (ED) operation in Kolkata quickly spiralled into a full-blown political spectacle. ED officials carried out raids at locations linked to the Indian Political Action Committee (I-PAC), including the residence of its chief and an office in Salt Lake. The searches are tied to an ongoing money laundering investigation.

But the atmosphere changed the moment West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee arrived at the scene. Her sudden appearance wasn’t symbolic. It was confrontational, deliberate and clearly political.

The ‘Green File’ That Stole the Spotlight

Cameras caught Mamata Banerjee stepping out with a green file in hand. That image has since dominated headlines and social media. According to the chief minister, the file contained confidential Trinamool Congress documents, including internal political strategy and election-related data.

She alleged that the ED was attempting to seize sensitive party information under the guise of an investigation. In her words, this was not law enforcement but intimidation, timed deliberately with the West Bengal Assembly elections on the horizon.

ED Pushes Back, Takes Legal Route

The ED has strongly denied the allegations. Officials maintain the searches were strictly linked to financial irregularities and alleged proceeds of crime, with no political motivation. The agency has now moved the Calcutta High Court, accusing the chief minister and state police of obstructing its officers during the raid.

According to the ED, documents and digital evidence were allegedly removed while the search was underway. This is a claim that has further escalated tensions between the Centre and the Bengal government.

Politics Meets Policing Ahead of Elections

The episode has triggered sharp reactions across party lines. The Trinamool Congress has framed the raid as federal overreach and an attempt to destabilise its election planning. Opposition leaders, meanwhile, argue that no one, including a chief minister, should interfere with a central agency’s investigation.

What this really means is simple: the battle for Bengal has already begun. And it’s being fought not just at rallies, but in living rooms, courtrooms and raid sites.

As questions swirl around the contents of the green file and the legality of the intervention, one thing is clear that this confrontation has added fresh fuel to an already volatile election season.