The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is likely to approach the Supreme Court over the alleged obstruction during a raid at the offices of political consultancy firm I-PAC and the residence of its director, Pratik Jain, in Kolkata, according to reports.
The central agency has already approached the Calcutta High Court, seeking a CBI probe against Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. The ED alleges that she, with the help of the police, took incriminating documents from the agency's custody.
"The ED's legal team is considering the option of approaching the top court. ED's lawyers argue that for a fair adjudication, the Supreme Court is the most appropriate forum. The legal team is exploring all available options," legal sources were quoted as saying by News18.
In its petition filed before the Calcutta High Court, the ED also accused the chief minister—a constitutional functionary—of illegally interfering with and obstructing a lawful search operation conducted under the PMLA at Jain's residence. The search was part of a money laundering investigation related to an alleged coal pilferage scam.
"Digital devices, electronic storage media, and key incriminating documents were forcibly removed, seized, concealed, and stolen from the lawful custody of ED officers by the Hon'ble Chief Minister with the aid of state police," the ED said in its plea, as reported by PTI.
The agency has called for a CBI investigation, asserting that it is essential given the consistent rulings of both the Calcutta High Court and the Supreme Court, which state that when "high and mighty" figures are involved in cognizable offenses, the investigation should be transferred to the CBI.
