SC Stays FIR Against ED Officials in Kolkata I-PAC Raids Case, Mamata Faces Setback

• The Supreme Court stayed proceedings against ED officials in connection with raids at I-PAC offices in Kolkata.
• The apex court also ordered the preservation of CCTV footage from the raid locations.
• Replies have been sought from MHA, DoPT, and the Bengal government on ED's plea to suspend DGP Rajeev Kumar and Kolkata Police Commissioner Manoj Kumar Verma.
• The court emphasized the need for independent functioning of organs and examining issues to prevent offenders from being shielded by state agencies.
• The ED alleged interference and obstruction by the West Bengal government during its probe, claiming CM Mamata Banerjee took away key evidence.

Why It Matters: Supreme Court halts action against ED officials in I-PAC raids, questioning state interference in central probes.