New Delhi: Following a crushing defeat in West Bengal, the troubles of TMC chief and former CM Mamata Banerjee continue to mount. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has taken major action regarding alleged financial transactions linked to Mamata Banerjee’s party, the TMC. The ED investigated and subsequently froze a TMC account held with HDFC Bank, which contained approximately ₹440 crore.
In this connection, the ED conducted raids at various locations on Tuesday. Allegations have surfaced regarding illicit financial transactions, fund mobilisation, and the diversion of money through controversial bank accounts that came to light after the elections. Debit freezes had already been imposed on these accounts. The ED is now investigating money laundering aspects and the source of the funds.
According to the ED, companies belonging to the Carewell Group, which operate in the aviation sector, are under scrutiny. The agency states that between April 2023 and June 2026, approximately ₹160 crore was transferred from the AITC (All India Trinamool Congress) account to Carewell Aviation India Private Limited and an associated company.
Major Revelation in ED Investigation
The agency further reports that between 2023 and 2026, Carewell Aviation India Private Limited transferred approximately ₹82.96 crore to a new company of its own. During the raids, the ED learned that a significant portion of these funds was utilised to purchase an Embraer Legacy 600 aircraft and an Agusta 109 SP helicopter through one of the companies.
According to the ED, approximately ₹112 crore was spent on these purchases. The agency claims that foreign funds were used to acquire the helicopter, with the majority of the money originating directly from the AITC account.
Political Stir in Bengal Over ED Action
The ED’s action in this matter has caused a political stir in West Bengal. The Trinamool Congress has termed the move an act of vendetta. Meanwhile, the BJP is positioning itself as being against corruption. According to sources, the locations raided include the office of a private aviation company, Carewell Aviation India Private Limited. Allegations have surfaced linking this company to senior TMC leaders—specifically Mamata Banerjee and her nephew Abhishek. The investigative agency now appears to be scrutinising these financial transactions and the sources of the funds.
Origin of the Substantial Sum
The matter has now reached the courts. The Mamata Banerjee faction had challenged the freeze placed on the account in the Calcutta High Court, but the court declined to grant immediate relief. The ED has also intensified its investigation into the money laundering aspect; the agency is now attempting to determine the source of the massive sum deposited in the account and the purposes for which it was utilised.
