'No prima facie case': HC rejects plea of Mamata Banerjee faction to operate TMC accounts worth Rs 440 crore

Calcutta High Court denied interim relief to the Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress faction, rejecting its plea to operate three bank accounts frozen by the Enforcement Directorate.

The three accounts collectively hold Rs 440 crore; the court found no prima facie case for the petitioners' request.

The ED froze the accounts in a money laundering probe linked to alleged dishonest financial transactions and unlawful collection of funds.

The court noted the ED's July 7 freezing order was not brought to the notice of a coordinate bench that had earlier appointed a special officer to facilitate account operation.

The matter will be heard again on August 26; the ED was directed to file an affidavit-in-opposition within three weeks.