High drama unfolded in Kolkata on Wednesday after the Enforcement Directorate carried out raids linked to political consultancy firm I-PAC as part of a money laundering probe.
The action triggered a sharp confrontation with West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who accused the central agency of seizing Trinamool Congress party documents.
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The ED conducted searches at two locations: the residence of Pratik Jain, a senior I-PAC functionary, in central Kolkata, and the firm’s office at the Godrej Waterside building in Sector V, Salt Lake.
Jain is widely described as a key member of Mamata Banerjee’s poll strategy team.
TMC Leaders Gather as Tensions Rise in Salt Lake
As news of the raids spread, Trinamool Congress leaders began assembling outside the I-PAC office in Salt Lake.
The Bidhannagar Police Commissioner also reached the spot amid rising tension. Banerjee, who was initially present at one of the locations, later moved towards the Sector V office.
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Speaking to reporters, Mamata Banerjee alleged that the ED raid was aimed at accessing internal political material of her party.
“It is most unfortunate that the ED came to our office to collect candidate lists, party strategy, plans and confidential documents,” the Chief Minister said.
Mamata Targets Amit Shah Over ED Action
Banerjee directly targeted Union Home Minister Amit Shah, accusing him of orchestrating the action.
“The nasty and naughty Home Minister who cannot keep the country safe is behind this. Amit Shah wants to collect our party’s candidate list,” she said, adding that documents were taken without adequate safeguards.
Questioning the legality of the move, Banerjee asked whether it was the Enforcement Directorate’s mandate to seize political material.
“Is it the duty of the ED and the home minister to collect candidate lists, party strategy and party plans?” she asked, drawing a comparison with what the outcome would be if BJP documents were seized.
Mamata Calls for Statewide Protest
Banerjee said she personally intervened after learning about the raid.
“I rang up Pratik because he is in charge of my party’s work. ED has raided my IT office in Sector V, so I am moving there as well,” she said, while announcing a statewide protest at 4 pm.
BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari criticised Mamata Banerjee for allegedly obstructing the work of a federal agency.
“What Mamata did today was obstruct the investigation. ED will surely take action against the Chief Minister as well, using its powers,” he said.
I-PAC’s Role and Political Links
Pratik Jain, a co-founder of the Indian Political Action Committee, also heads the IT cell of the Trinamool Congress.
Founded by political strategist Prashant Kishor ahead of the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, I-PAC has worked closely with the TMC and the West Bengal government, particularly after the 2019 elections.
ED Denies Election Link, Cites Money Laundering Probe
Responding to Mamata Banerjee’s allegations, the Enforcement Directorate said the searches were not linked to elections.
“Certain persons, including constitutional functionaries, have come to 2 premises (out of 10), intruded illegally by misusing their position and snatched away the documents,” the agency said.
The ED further alleged that proceeds of crime linked to the coal pilferage scheme were diverted to Goa and given to I-PAC for its work during the 2022 Goa Assembly elections for the TMC.
“Team digging out more inside details,” the agency added.
