MAMATA SNATCHED CRUCIAL EVIDENCE, ALLEGES ED

The ED has accused Mamata Banerjee of entering live raids and removing key evidence, sparking a major political and legal clash in Bengal.

- SUPROTIM MUKHERJEE

In an unprecedented confrontation between a state government and central authorities, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday accused West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of illegally intervening in live raids and "snatching away" crucial evidence, as the political row escalated with the Chief Minister announcing a protest march in Kolkata on January 9.

The allegations stem from high-voltage scenes during ED searches at the residence and offices of I-PAC (Indian Political Action Committee), the political consultancy advising the Trinamool Congress (TMC). The agency said its teams were conducting the searches peacefully and in accordance with law until the Chief Minister arrived with a large police contingent.

"Banerjee entered the residential premises of Prateek Jain and took away key evidence, including physical documents and electronic devices," the ED said in a strongly worded statement. It alleged that constitutional functionaries misused their positions to illegally intrude into active search sites and remove documents.