 Rajya Sabha leader Derek O'Brien on Friday criticised the Enforcement Directorate (ED) after it froze three){kind=link}
TMC leader targets Enforcement Directorate after ₹440 crore linked bank accounts are frozen under the PMLA.
July 10, 2026: Trinamool Congress (TMC) Rajya Sabha leader Derek O’Brien on Friday criticised the Enforcement Directorate (ED) after it froze three bank accounts linked to the party. In a post on X, O’Brien questioned the agency’s action and asked when it would investigate “temple funds,” in an apparent reference to the alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. His remarks come as opposition parties continue to demand a judicial probe into the alleged financial irregularities involving temple donations.
The Enforcement Directorate had announced on Wednesday that it froze three TMC-linked bank accounts with deposits worth ₹440 crore as part of an ongoing money laundering investigation. According to the agency, the action was taken under Section 17(1A) of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) following searches in an alleged funds misappropriation case.
The ED said the provision allows it to freeze bank deposits or other assets when immediate seizure is not practical and there is a risk of the assets being transferred or otherwise dealt with. While the agency continues its investigation, the TMC has strongly opposed the move, accusing the Centre of selective action and questioning the timing of the enforcement measures.