Investigation Focuses on Aviation Advances and Overcharges
The Enforcement Directorate is actively examining advance payments totaling ₹5.22 crore made by the Trinamool Congress (TMC) for future aviation services. Financial investigators are reviewing transactions made during recent election campaigns across West Bengal.
The agency suspects these advances were routed to lock in chartered aircraft and helicopters at rates far above standard commercial pricing. Officials are scrutinizing whether these funds violate provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
ED Financial Audit Flow for TMC Aviation Payments:
TMC Political Accounts ──► ₹5.22 Crore Advance Transfers ──► Carewell Group & Jet Entities
│
▼
ED Scrutiny & Probe ◄── Overcharged Flying Rates (2X Market) ◄── PMLA Asset Audits
Carewell Group Under Financial Scrutiny
Investigation documents show TMC transferred over ₹160 crore to aviation firm Carewell Group and related entities. Out of this amount, ₹82.96 crore was spent specifically on jet and helicopter charters during election periods.
Data reveals that the party paid more than double the average market rate per flying hour for specific charter aircraft. The Enforcement Directorate has frozen several party bank accounts while tracing the final end-use of these aviation funds.
Key Breakdown of TMC Aviation Payments Under ED Probe
| Transaction Category | Entities Involved | Total Financial Value | Key ED Finding / Status |
| Aviation Advance Funds | TMC Party Accounts & Charter Firms | ₹5.22 Crore | Under active audit for PMLA compliance. |
| Total Aviation Transfers | Carewell Group & Related Entities | ₹160.00 Crore | Comprehensive fund routing under investigation. |
| Jet & Helicopter Costs | Carewell Aviation Services | ₹82.96 Crore | Audit shows hourly rates exceeded market averages by 2X. |
| Frozen Bank Deposits | TMC Central Accounts | ₹440.42 Crore | Temporarily frozen by ED during ongoing probe. |
Political Reaction and Legal Opposition
TMC leadership has rejected all allegations of financial wrongdoing, labeling the agency actions politically motivated. Party representatives stated that all aviation expenses were fully documented and reported to the Election Commission of India.
Legal teams for the party continue to challenge the freezing of party bank accounts in court. They argue that operational funds are necessary for day-to-day administrative functions.