The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has moved the Supreme Court of India, alleging significant interference by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and the state administration in its ongoing investigation into the Indian Political Action Committee (I-PAC) probe. The agency filed an Article 32 petition seeking an independent inquiry by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into the alleged obstruction. This action follows raids conducted by the ED at I-PAC's Kolkata office and the residence of its co-founder, Pratik Jain, in connection with a money laundering investigation linked to an alleged multi-crore coal pilferage scam. The ED claims that during these operations, CM Mamata Banerjee personally arrived at the premises, allegedly removed crucial evidence including physical documents and electronic devices, and confronted ED officials. The agency asserts that her presence and actions, along with those of senior state officials and police, intimidated its officers and compromised the integrity of the investigation, amounting to a "gross obstruction of justice". In response to the ED's move, the West Bengal government has filed a caveat in the Supreme Court, requesting to be heard before any ex-parte orders are passed. This legal maneuver aims to ensure that the state's version is presented to the court. Prior to approaching the Supreme Court, the ED had also moved the Calcutta High Court concerning the same incident, seeking protection and appropriate directions. However, hearings in the High Court were adjourned, with the next date scheduled for January 14. The Trinamool Congress (TMC), to which Mamata Banerjee belongs, has denied the ED's allegations, claiming that the agency's actions are politically motivated and aimed at disrupting its electoral preparations and accessing confidential strategy material. Furthermore, the West Bengal Police have initiated their own probe against 'unknown' ED officials, investigating claims that the central agency's personnel conducted searches without proper intimation or warrants. This ongoing legal and political confrontation underscores escalating tensions between central and state authorities in West Bengal.