ED Freezes Trinamool Congress Bank Accounts Worth Rs 440 Crore in Money Laundering Probe
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Wednesday announced the freezing of three bank accounts belonging to the All India Trinamool Congress (AITC), holding deposits totalling Rs 440.42 crore, under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The action followed search operations conducted at five premises in and around Kolkata linked to the Carewell group of companies, which operates in the aviation sector.
According to an ED spokesperson, the searches were carried out under Section 17 of the PMLA. During the operation, balances amounting to Rs 440.42 crore in three HDFC Bank accounts of the TMC were frozen under Section 17(1-A) of the Act. The ED is investigating an alleged funds misappropriation case, though further details regarding the nature of the case have not been disclosed.
The development marks a significant step in the ongoing probe, which focuses on financial irregularities. The TMC, a prominent political party in West Bengal, has not yet commented on the freeze. The ED's actions are part of its broader efforts to enforce anti-money laundering provisions, and the investigation is expected to continue.
