Unmanageable Crowd Forces Adjournment in High-Profile ED Raids on I-PAC

The Calcutta High Court was forced to adjourn hearings related to Enforcement Directorate (ED) raids at the Indian Political Action Committee (I-PAC) and the home of co-founder Pratik Jain due to disruptive behaviour in the courtroom. Justice Suvra Ghosh, presiding over the single-bench matter, repeatedly asked non-participants to leave, warning, “I will leave the court if you do not quiet down.” Ultimately, the court took a recess, and hearings have been rescheduled for January 14.

Three Petitions Under Review
The case involves three petitions before the court. One petition, filed by the ED, accuses West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of abusing her power by allegedly obstructing ED action and removing files and electronic evidence. Counter-petitions from the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and Pratik Jain seek protection of political data seized prior to legislative assembly elections. The ED has also requested a CBI complaint over the alleged obstruction.

Raids Spark Political Controversy
The January 8 raids, conducted as part of a money laundering investigation linked to coal smuggling, have intensified political tensions in the state. The TMC contends that the raids targeted sensitive partisan materials, while the ED claims state officials interfered with its operations.

Protests Add to the Tension
Adding to the political standoff, Mamata Banerjee led a large protest march in Kolkata opposing the raids, further escalating the central-state conflict. Observers say the combination of legal battles, investigations, and street protests highlights the high-stakes nature of the case in West Bengal politics.