ED raids on I-PAC | Supreme Court stays FIR against probe agency officers, issues notice to Mamata, Bengal cops & others

The Supreme Court on Thursday said that the Enforcement Directorate's plea raises serious issue relating to probe by central agencies, and interference by state agencies.

The apex court was hearing a case over a plea filed by the central probe agency following events from January 8, when central agency officials faced obstructions during their raids at the office of political consultancy firm I-PAC in Salt Lake and the Kolkata residence of its director, Pratik Jain, in connection with a coal smuggling case.

The probe agency has claimed that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee entered the premises and took away "key" evidence related to the probe.

The apex court issued notice to Bengal government, state CM Mamata Banerjee, DGP Rajeev Kumar and others.

The bench also stayed the FIRs against ED officials who raided I-PAC office and premises of its director Jain.

"There are larger questions which emerge in ED's plea; if not answered it shall lead to lawlessness," the court said.

"It is necessary to examine issue so that offenders aren't allowed to be protected under shield of state's law enforcing agencies," the court added.

It also directed West Bengal police to protect CCTV footage of raids on I-PAC premises. The matter has been posted for further hearing on February 3.