The Calcutta High Court on Thursday permitted the Trinamool Congress (TMC) to operate three frozen bank accounts solely for routine party expenses and legal fees until September 30, 2026. In response, rebel MLA Ritabrata Banerjee declared that his faction will challenge the interim order by filing a Special Leave Petition (SLP) before the Supreme Court.

Escalating to the Supreme Court

Banerjee said his legal team has already prepared the petition and will file it within days. He emphasized that when the case was first presented before the Kolkata High Court, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) was not a party to the proceedings. By moving the petition to the apex court, he expects the ED to become a litigant, thereby intensifying the scrutiny.

Allegations of massive money laundering

The MLA reiterated accusations that the TMC used party money to purchase an Embraer Legacy 600 aircraft and an Agusta helicopter, subsequently renting the same assets back to the party. He dubbed the scheme a "new Natwarlal" operation, noting that Rs 160 crore—drawn from party coffers—was used to buy the assets, only for the party to pay rent to the same entity, a classic money‑laundering pattern.

International fund transfers and Cayman Islands link

Banerjee further claimed that the money was routed from Kolkata to the Cayman Islands, suggesting an overseas laundering conduit. He announced his intention to travel to Delhi to lodge a formal complaint with the Enforcement Directorate, urging central agencies to investigate the alleged foreign transactions.

TMC’s denial and upcoming hearing

The TMC has categorically denied all allegations, labeling the probe as politically motivated and asserting that its finances have been fully disclosed to the Election Commission and the Income Tax Department. The High Court appointed retired Justice Subrata Talukdar as a special officer to monitor any withdrawals from the frozen accounts. The next hearing is set for September 21, when investigating agencies are expected to submit a progress report.