The Calcutta High Court on Monday declined to grant interim permission to the Mamata Banerjee faction of the Trinamool Congress to operate three of its bank accounts currently frozen by the Enforcement Directorate.
The three accounts, which hold a combined balance of Rs 440.42 crore, were frozen in connection with an ongoing investigation by the federal agency. The probe was initiated following a state police First Information Report that alleged unlawful fund collection, dishonest financial transactions, and the routing of suspicious money through specific party accounts.
Justice Krishna Rao issued the decision on Monday, having reserved the interim order on July 13 after hearing arguments from both sides.
Investigated Fund Transfers
According to preliminary findings by Enforcement Directorate officials, approximately Rs 160 crore was transferred from the Trinamool Congress’s bank accounts to Carewell Aviation India Private Limited and an associated entity. These transfers reportedly took place between April 2023 and June 2026.
Acquisition of Luxury Aircraft
Investigators also stated that Carewell Aviation subsequently transferred Rs 82.96 crore to a newly established entity between 2023 and 2026. The agency described the amount transferred to this new entity as substantial.
From these funds, Rs 112 crore was spent to purchase two luxury aircraft: an AgustaWestland 109SP helicopter and an Embraer Legacy 600 business jet.
