A significant political and administrative controversy has erupted in West Bengal after Chief Secretary Nandini Chakraborty and Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Manoj Pant were observed accompanying Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee during an Enforcement Directorate (ED) raid. The raids, conducted on January 8, 2026, targeted the Kolkata office of political consultancy firm I-PAC and the residence of its director, Pratik Jain. The ED's operation is part of a larger money laundering investigation linked to an alleged multi-crore rupee coal pilferage/smuggling scam, with the agency claiming that illicit funds were channeled to I-PAC. During the raids, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee reportedly arrived at the premises and, according to ED allegations, interfered with the investigation by removing critical evidence, including physical documents and electronic devices. Ms. Banerjee has vehemently denied these accusations, asserting that the raids were politically motivated and an attempt by the central government to misuse investigative agencies. The presence of top state bureaucrats, the Chief Secretary and Principal Secretary, alongside the Chief Minister during a central agency's search operation has drawn sharp criticism. Former bureaucrats and opposition leaders have widely condemned their actions, describing them as "gross misconduct" and a severe breach of administrative protocol. They argue that while security might necessitate police presence, there was no justifiable administrative reason for senior officials to be at the raid sites. The Enforcement Directorate has subsequently approached both the Calcutta High Court and the Supreme Court, seeking a fair probe into the alleged obstruction and actions against those who hindered their investigation. In response, the West Bengal government has filed a caveat in the Supreme Court, requesting to be heard before any orders are passed. This ongoing confrontation highlights a deepening federal-state tussle in India.