SC Calls ED's I-PAC Raid Obstruction Claims 'Serious Matter'; Mamata, Police Accused

• The Supreme Court is hearing ED's petition against West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee and state police for allegedly obstructing raids at I-PAC headquarters and Pratik Jain's residence.
• Solicitor General Tushar Mehta accused Mamata Banerjee and top police officials of interfering with ED operations, seizing evidence related to a coal smuggling scam.
• ED filed a fresh application seeking suspension of West Bengal police brass, including DGP Rajiv Kumar, for allegedly aiding obstruction and evidence removal.
• ED claims Mamata Banerjee took files and an ED officer's phone, calling it theft and arguing it demoralizes central forces.
• Kapil Sibal, representing Mamata Banerjee, questioned the timing of raids before elections and denied seizure of all devices, alleging ED's mala fide intent to gather party data.

Why It Matters: Supreme Court deems ED's allegations of obstruction by Mamata Banerjee and police during I-PAC raids serious.