‘Can some amount be released from frozen TMC funds?’ SC asks ED on Mamata-led faction’s plea

Supreme Court asked Enforcement Directorate if some funds from frozen Trinamool Congress bank accounts could be released for daily expenses via a special officer appointed by Calcutta High Court.

Senior advocate Kapil Sibal argued for Mamata Banerjee-led TMC faction that the party cannot pay employee salaries due to the freezing of accounts.

The Enforcement Directorate, represented by ASG SV Raju, opposed release, citing an ongoing money laundering investigation and alleging a 'continuous offence'.

The ED froze three TMC bank accounts with a combined balance of Rs 440.42 crore, linked to an FIR by West Bengal Police.

The Supreme Court scheduled further hearing for August 11, after the ED sought time to take instructions on releasing funds.