The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted search‑and‑seizure operations at five sites in Kolkata on Thursday as part of a probe into the movement of funds from the Trinamool Congress (TMC) to a company involved in an aircraft charter deal.
According to the ED, the company received approximately ₹160 crore from the TMC, a figure that prompted the agency to investigate whether the money was routed through the firm for chartered flight services. The raids targeted the company’s offices, a bank branch linked to the firm, a private residence, a hotel, and a commercial vehicle depot.
The ED’s inquiry follows earlier reports that the TMC has been scrutinised for cash movements connected to its political operations. In a related development, the agency had earlier searched premises linked to the party’s funding network in the city, raising questions about the legality of the transactions.
Analysis: The ED’s action underscores the ongoing effort to trace and recover money that may have been funneled through political entities for non‑public purposes. The probe focuses on the legality of the chartered flight arrangement and whether the funds were used for legitimate business or diverted for political gain. The outcome will depend on the ED’s ability to establish a clear chain of custody for the ₹160 crore and demonstrate any breach of financial regulations.
Story synopsis gathered from: https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMi2wFBVV95cUxNTHdBcFI1Z2lIWEtKbEdCMkRBS2Y4LVRBNS0ybVFXRXk0RUFWeGdYeVBfTllkcEVmRm1jVXhtc29tZXVpTjhBRzN3cUI0WkpielpsRGRGUzU1bEtkWWwzYVpJTUtHc2tGSGpSRnlZWVdMSm9jOW5tMXlBNTRmTE9haVJmY3I4SUZfbWZ1aFhaU3ZXZ3ZkUC1OelhXTzB2RVluQk93U2pvbEhMakszTDBUMUdxZzRYaEVBZlNfN05ramNSVWlrcVNhY0VXSUxRcDJEUTFUZmZiYi04MWs?oc=5 — source.
Corrections
If you believe this article contains an error, contact Herald Express with the source URL and supporting evidence.
Story synopsis gathered from: Google News India – Top Stories — source.
