newspop
Kolkata : A fresh storm has arrived at Mamata Banerjee’s doorstep, putting the Trinamool Congress chief under intense pressure as a major financial probe shakes the political landscape of Bengal.
The freezing of accounts linked to TMC has triggered a new battle, leaving the party facing one of its toughest challenges in recent times. A fresh political controversy has erupted in West Bengal after the Enforcement Directorate (ED) froze three bank accounts allegedly linked to the Trinamool Congress (TMC), involving funds worth around ₹440 crore.
The action was taken under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) as part of an ongoing investigation into suspected financial irregularities, including alleged transactions related to party accounts and private aircraft expenses.
According to ED officials, searches were conducted at multiple locations in Kolkata, including premises linked to the Carewel Group, which operates private aviation services under the name Carewel Aviation. The agency is examining alleged fund transfers involving TMC accounts and aviation-related companies, claiming that certain transactions appeared suspicious and required detailed investigation.
The probe reportedly focuses on financial movements involving large payments made for aircraft usage, with ED officials alleging that a complex network may have been created to hide the identities of beneficiaries. The investigation gained momentum after internal disputes within the party led rebel legislators to demand scrutiny of the sources of funds deposited in TMC accounts.
Following this, restrictions were placed on financial operations of three party accounts, and the matter later reached the Calcutta High Court. The development has intensified political tensions, with the ED continuing its investigation while the TMC leadership challenges the action.
