SC notice to Mamata, Bengal govt

SC terms allegation of obstruction in central probe in WB ‘serious’

- PRESS TRUST OF INDIA

The Supreme Court Thursday termed the ED’s allegation of obstruction by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in its probe and search operation at the office of political consultancy firm I-PAC as “serious” and agreed to examine if law enforcement agencies of a state can interfere with a central agency’s investigation into any serious offence.

A bench of Justices Prashant Kumar Mishra and Vipul Pancholi issued notices to Banerjee, the West Bengal government, DGP Rajeev Kumar and top cops on the ED’s petitions seeking a CBI probe against them for allegedly obstructing raids at I-PAC premises. The matter was posted for further hearing February 3.

While the BJP in its reaction said Banerjee has received a “solid jolt” from the apex court, the TMC maintained that the ED action was “politically motivated” and timed with the approaching assembly polls in West Bengal.