In a move that blends political theater with legal confrontation, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has escalated her long-standing battle with the central government by filing two First Information Reports (FIRs) against Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials. The trigger? A controversial raid on the offices of I-PAC—a strategic communications firm—and the residence of its director, which Banerjee branded as “theft” and “trespass.” To amplify her protest, she walked an astonishing 6 kilometers through the streets of Kolkata, drawing massive crowds and reigniting the national debate over federal overreach .
This isn’t just another political stunt. It’s a calculated escalation in the ongoing tug-of-war between India’s states and central investigative agencies—a conflict with deep implications for democracy, federalism, and the rule of law.
Table of Contents
- What Happened During the ED Raid?
- Mamata Banerjee ED Protest: A Walk of Defiance
- The Two FIRs Filed Against ED Officials
- Legal and Constitutional Questions Raised
- Political Fallout in West Bengal and Nationwide
- Historical Context: State-Center Tensions in India
- What Happens Next?
- Conclusion: A Test for Indian Federalism
- Sources
What Happened During the ED Raid?
According to state police and eyewitnesses, ED officials conducted simultaneous searches at the Kolkata office of I-PAC (Indian Political Action Committee) and the residence of its director, Prashant Kishor—a key strategist behind several major electoral victories in India, including Mamata’s 2021 re-election .
While the ED claims the raid was part of a money laundering probe linked to alleged irregularities in West Bengal’s health department, Banerjee alleges gross misconduct. She accused agents of:
- Entering premises without proper authorization
- Seizing personal electronic devices unrelated to the case
- Refusing to provide itemized seizure lists
- Behaving like “thieves in the night” rather than lawful officers
Her now-viral question—“Why did you come like a thief?”—has become a rallying cry for critics of central agency overreach.
Mamata Banerjee ED Protest: A Walk of Defiance
In a powerful display of grassroots mobilization, Banerjee began her protest by walking from her residence at Kalighat to the Lalbazar police headquarters—a distance of approximately 6 km. Thousands joined her along the route, turning the march into a de facto public rally against what she termed “political vendetta” by the BJP-led central government .
This tactic is classic Mamata: blending vulnerability (the lone woman walking) with strength (massive public support). It echoes her 2011 hunger strike against land acquisition in Singur—but this time, the battlefield is institutional legitimacy itself.
The Two FIRs Filed Against ED Officials
Upon reaching Lalbazar, Banerjee personally lodged two FIRs under the following sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC):
- FIR 1 (I-PAC Office): Sections 441 (criminal trespass), 379 (theft), and 120B (criminal conspiracy).
- FIR 2 (Director’s Residence): Sections 447 (punishment for criminal trespass), 427 (mischief causing damage), and 506 (criminal intimidation).
Notably, these are non-bailable offenses. While it’s unprecedented for a state CM to file criminal charges against central agency personnel, legal experts note that state police do have jurisdiction over crimes committed within their territory—even if the accused are central officers .
Legal and Constitutional Questions Raised
This clash raises critical questions about India’s federal structure:
- Can state police investigate central agency officials for alleged procedural violations during raids?
- Does the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) grant ED officers blanket immunity from local laws?
- Where is the line between legitimate investigation and political harassment?
The Supreme Court has previously ruled that ED officials are not above the law. In a 2023 judgment, the Court emphasized that even PMLA investigations must comply with constitutional safeguards [[EXTERNAL_LINK:https://main.sci.gov.in/]]. This precedent could bolster Banerjee’s legal position.
Political Fallout in West Bengal and Nationwide
Within West Bengal, the incident has galvanized Trinamool Congress (TMC) supporters and reinforced Banerjee’s image as a defiant protector of state autonomy. Opposition parties like CPI(M) and Congress have also expressed solidarity, framing the ED as a “tool of political witch-hunt.”
Nationwide, the event fuels the growing narrative among non-BJP states—such as Tamil Nadu, Punjab, and Kerala—that central agencies are being weaponized against political rivals. For deeper analysis on this trend, see our feature on [INTERNAL_LINK:central-agencies-political-targeting-india].
Historical Context: State-Center Tensions in India
While tensions between New Delhi and state capitals are not new, the frequency and intensity of ED and CBI raids on opposition leaders have surged since 2014. According to data from the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR), over 90% of politicians investigated by central agencies since 2014 belong to non-BJP parties .
Banerjee’s protest is thus part of a broader resistance movement—one that could reshape India’s federal compact in the years ahead.
What Happens Next?
Several scenarios could unfold:
- The Kolkata Police may formally register the FIRs and initiate an inquiry—though the ED will likely challenge jurisdiction in court.
- The central government might double down, authorizing more raids to assert its authority.
- Opposition parties could unite to demand parliamentary reforms limiting the discretionary powers of central agencies.
One thing is certain: this is no longer just about I-PAC or a single raid. It’s about who controls the narrative of justice in India.
Conclusion: A Test for Indian Federalism
Mamata Banerjee’s 6-km walk and her bold decision to file criminal charges against ED officials mark a pivotal moment in India’s democratic journey. The Mamata Banerjee ED protest transcends regional politics—it’s a direct challenge to the concentration of investigative power at the center. As courts and citizens weigh in, the outcome will signal whether India’s federal structure can withstand the pressures of hyper-centralization. For now, all eyes are on Kolkata—and the rule of law.
Sources
- Times of India. “Why did you come like a thief? Didi walks 6 km to protest ‘theft, trespass’ by ED; lodges 2 FIRs.” https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/…/articleshow/126445944.cms
- The Hindu. “ED searches I-PAC office in Kolkata, residence of Prashant Kishor.” January 8, 2026.
- Bar and Bench. “Can state police investigate ED officials? Legal experts weigh in.” January 9, 2026.
- Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR). “Political Use of Central Agencies: A Data Analysis (2014–2025).”
- Supreme Court of India. Judgments on PMLA and Fundamental Rights. https://main.sci.gov.in/