The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has claimed to have uncovered significant financial irregularities while investigating alleged illegal fund collection and money laundering linked to the Trinamool Congress (TMC). The agency recently conducted searches at five locations in and around Kolkata, including premises associated with a charter aviation company, as part of the ongoing probe.

According to the ED, preliminary findings indicate that large sums of money were transferred from TMC’s bank accounts to Carewell Aviation, a charter flight company. Investigators allege that the funds were used to purchase an Embraer Legacy 600 business jet and an AgustaWestland 109SP helicopter. The aircraft were later allegedly leased back to the TMC for use by senior party leaders, including National General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee, with additional payments made from party funds.

The agency suspects the transactions were part of a scheme to divert and misappropriate party funds through layered financial transfers. During the searches, ED officials seized bank records, digital devices, hard drives, and other documents for forensic examination.

The ED alleges that between April 2023 and June 2026, around ₹160 crore was transferred from TMC accounts to Carewell Aviation. Investigators claim a portion of the money was routed through shell companies, including a transfer of ₹82.96 crore to a newly incorporated entity. The agency further alleges that the purchase of the helicopter involved a foreign loan from a Cayman Islands-based company, raising questions over possible violations of foreign funding regulations.

As part of the investigation, the ED has reportedly frozen three TMC bank accounts holding approximately ₹440 crore.

The Trinamool Congress has strongly denied all allegations, accusing the BJP-led Central government of misusing investigative agencies to target political opponents. In a post on X, the party said all funds in its accounts had been transparently disclosed and maintained that the investigation was politically motivated.

The probe was initiated following a complaint filed by rebel TMC MLA Biswanath Das at the Bidhannagar Police Station. The investigation is ongoing, and the allegations have not yet been proven in court.

TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee Attacked During Protest in West Bengal

OdishaConnect — Sun, 31 May 2026 08:54:58 +0000

Public Anger Against TMC Intensifies in Bengal

Kolkata: Public resentment against the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) appears to be growing in West Bengal, as another party MP has reportedly come under attack just a day after senior TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee faced hostility from a crowd.

The latest incident involved TMC Member of Parliament Kalyan Banerjee, who was allegedly attacked in the Chanditala area of Hooghly district on Sunday morning while participating in a protest march.

Kalyan Banerjee Faces Protest and Black Flags

According to reports, Kalyan Banerjee was confronted by protesters who waved black flags and raised slogans of “chor, chor” (thief, thief) against him. During the commotion, he was reportedly attacked and sustained injuries to his head.

The protest erupted while Banerjee and his supporters were demonstrating against the recent Sonarpur incident, which has sparked political controversy in the state.

Attack Occurs During Demonstration

Eyewitnesses said tensions escalated as protesters gathered along the route of the demonstration in Chanditala. The situation quickly turned chaotic, leading to a confrontation between the crowd and TMC supporters.

The incident comes at a time when political tensions in West Bengal remain high, with opposition groups and sections of the public increasingly targeting TMC leaders over various issues.

Police Intervene, MP Rescued

Police personnel rushed to the spot after receiving information about the disturbance. Security forces managed to bring the situation under control and safely escorted Kalyan Banerjee away from the area.

Authorities also dispersed the crowd and restored order. No official statement regarding arrests or further action had been issued immediately after the incident.

Political Heat Rises Ahead of Key Electoral Battles

The attack on Kalyan Banerjee, coming just a day after Abhishek Banerjee faced public hostility, has intensified the political debate in West Bengal. The incidents have raised concerns over the deteriorating political atmosphere in the state and the growing public anger directed at leaders of the ruling Trinamool Congress.

Political observers believe the back-to-back incidents could become a major talking point in Bengal politics in the coming days.

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