Derek O’Brien Questions ED Over TMC Account Freeze, Raises ‘Temple Funds’ Issue
Trinamool Congress (TMC) Rajya Sabha MP Derek O’Brien has criticised the Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) decision to freeze three of the party’s bank accounts, asking when the agency would also take action against alleged irregularities involving temple donations. His remarks came shortly after the ED froze TMC accounts holding around ₹440 crore under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
In a post on X, O’Brien wrote, “ED freezes TMC’s 3 bank accounts with HDFC. When will ED freeze temple funds,” in an apparent reference to allegations concerning the management of donations at the Ram temple in Ayodhya. His statement has added a fresh political dimension to the controversy surrounding the ED’s action against the ruling West Bengal party.
The remarks were made amid Opposition demands for a judicial probe into alleged financial irregularities in the handling of donations received by the Ram temple trust. While opposition leaders have sought an independent investigation, no enforcement action relating to those allegations has been announced by the ED.
The ED froze the TMC’s bank accounts after searches conducted in an alleged money laundering case, invoking powers under the PMLA. The agency has stated that the freezing order is part of an ongoing investigation into suspected financial irregularities, while the Trinamool Congress has denied any wrongdoing and described the action as politically motivated.
Meanwhile, the Calcutta High Court has permitted the TMC to access funds in the frozen accounts for routine administrative and legal expenses under the supervision of a retired High Court judge. However, legal experts have indicated that the High Court’s directions concerning restrictions imposed by the Kolkata Police may not automatically override the ED’s independent freezing order issued under the PMLA.
The episode has intensified the political confrontation between the Trinamool Congress and the BJP-led Centre, with both sides trading allegations over the use of investigative agencies and the handling of financial transparency. The legal proceedings relating to the ED’s freezing order and the underlying money laundering investigation are expected to continue before the competent courts.
