Kolkata, 08 January (H.S.): The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has claimed that the search operation in connection with a money laundering case related to coal smuggling was initially entirely peaceful. However, the situation changed abruptly after the West Bengal Chief Minister arrived at two premises along with police forces and state administration officials.

According to the ED, the search operation at two locations was interfered with after the Chief Minister's arrival. Allegedly, crucial physical documents and electronic evidence were forcibly removed from these premises, thereby affecting the investigation process.

The agency stated that the search operation was being conducted under legal provisions and based on evidence, but the intervention by the state administration hampered the investigation. The ED termed this a serious matter, stating that its statutory rights as an investigating agency were infringed upon.

The ED also clarified that this action is not related to any political party or election, nor was any party office targeted. According to the agency, the search operation was being conducted as part of a regular operation against money laundering.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey