n its petition filed on Monday, the ED alleged that its teams were prevented from conducting lawful searches at Jain’s residence on Loudon Street and at the I-PAC office in Salt Lake, Kolkata. The agency claimed that electronic devices, storage media and documents were forcibly taken away during the raid and demanded that these materials be seized and sealed under the supervision of an independent agency.

According to the ED, the alleged offences include obstructing public servants in the discharge of official duties, criminal intimidation, destruction or concealment of evidence, and serious charges such as theft and robbery. The agency argued that the actions amounted to a “direct assault on the rule of law” and warranted investigation by the CBI to ensure impartiality.

The petition also refers to the events of January 8, when Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee arrived at Prateek Jain’s residence while the raid was underway and later visited the I-PAC office. Visuals showed the chief minister leaving the premises with files, after which she addressed the media, accusing the Centre of targeting her party. The ED maintains that the documents seized had no connection with any political activity and were linked solely to the coal smuggling and hawala money laundering investigation.

The agency further told the court that multiple FIRs were subsequently filed against ED officials, which it described as an attempt to intimidate investigators and derail the probe. It has sought transfer of these FIRs to the CBI as well. The ED also claimed that its plea before the Calcutta High Court could not be heard due to disruptions in the courtroom, alleging that supporters of the ruling party were mobilised to stall proceedings. The High Court later adjourned the matter to January 14.

Anticipating the Supreme Court hearing, the West Bengal government filed a caveat on January 10, requesting that no interim order be passed without hearing its side. The state has denied the ED’s allegations and maintains that due process was followed.

The developments come amid heightened political tension in West Bengal ahead of the 2026 assembly elections, with both sides trading sharp accusations. The Supreme Court’s decision on the ED’s plea is expected to have significant legal and political implications.