The Enforcement Director has alleged that in investigating the illegal coal mining case there is an involvement of Trinamool Congress MP. Abhishek Banerjee. Thus he is trying to obstruct the investigation.
The ED pleaded that there is an FIR registered by CBI in involvement in a scam against officials of Eastern Coalfields Limited (ECL), Railway, Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) and unknown private individuals. The FIR was registered under the “Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988” for offences of Criminal Conspiracy and breach of trust under Section 409 of IPC by a public servant. The FIR involves illegal excavation and theft of coal carried out by ECL, CISF, Indian Railways and others.
For ECL it was alleged that the illegal mining was organised by businessman Anuj Majee. The Income Tax even seized documents during search and seizure in the premises of Majee and associated which is incriminating in nature. Further, when ED analysed the evidence by the IT department it was revealed the involvement of Abhishek Banerjee in the coal scam.
On the basis of evidence, a High Court summons was issued to Banerjee. But he did not cooperate initially. Later, Abhisekh Banerjee lodged an FIR against a New Channel on 05.04.2021 and notified Investigating Officers investigating the case of illegal coal mining by West Bengal Police.
The ED further contended that the FIR registered was malafide and to derail the investigation conducted by the Enforcement Directorate. The investigating agency lodged an objection with WB police on July 28, 2021, for disrupting the ED officials. The police again issued them a notice through email. Hence the petitioner will be heard on September 21.
