Kolkata, 07 July (H.S.) : The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Tuesday launched simultaneous search operations at multiple locations in Kolkata and Salt Lake as part of its investigation into a case linked to bank accounts associated with the Trinamool Congress (TMC).

Teams of the central agency carried out raids at an address near the Lalbazar area in central Kolkata as well as several premises in Salt Lake. According to sources, one of the locations searched was the residence of a businessman in Salt Lake's CG Block.

The businessman is associated with several companies, including a chartered aviation service. Investigators are examining whether chartered aircraft operated by the company were used by several VVIP leaders of the then ruling state government.

The searches are part of an investigation that began in June following allegations involving transactions linked to a large-scale cyber fraud. On June 18, a legislator from South 24 Parganas lodged a complaint with the Bidhannagar Cyber Police Station, alleging that funds related to the cyber fraud had been routed through certain bank accounts, with some accounts allegedly linked to the Trinamool Congress.

Based on the complaint, police registered an FIR, and on June 19, the concerned banks were directed to freeze withdrawals from three accounts. The Enforcement Directorate subsequently took over the investigation under provisions related to money laundering and is now conducting searches as part of that probe.

The case has also gained political significance after former TMC treasurer Arup Biswas reportedly wrote to bank authorities seeking the freezing of the party's bank accounts, citing an internal dispute while identifying himself as the party's treasurer. The controversy has coincided with reports of internal differences within the party following its electoral setback, including friction within its parliamentary and legislative wings and the departure of some leaders.

Separately, the alleged use of chartered aircraft by senior leaders of the previous state government has also become a subject of debate within the party in recent weeks. The ED's search at the premises of the businessman linked to the charter aviation company has added a fresh dimension to both the investigation and the political controversy.

The search operations were continuing at the time of filing this report. The Enforcement Directorate has not yet issued an official statement detailing the action.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh