The Union Home Ministry (MHA) has requested detailed reports from both the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) regarding the events surrounding the ED's raids on the Indian Political Action Committee (I-PAC) office in Kolkata and the residence of I-PAC's director, Pratik Jain, on Thursday.
The ED's searches, which have ignited a political controversy in West Bengal, are part of an ongoing investigation into a money laundering case linked to an alleged coal smuggling syndicate. The agency suspects that Anup Majhi, alias Lala, illegally excavated coal from Eastern Coalfields' leasehold areas and sold it to various factories in West Bengal. According to the ED, a portion of these proceeds was allegedly laundered through hawala operators, with transactions amounting to crores of rupees potentially linked to I-PAC. The ED initiated the searches following suspicions over certain financial transactions and funding sources connected to I-PAC. The agency is expected to closely examine I-PAC's bank transactions, funding sources, and contractual payments.
I-PAC, a political consultancy founded by Prashant Kishor, has worked with several major political parties across India, including the Trinamool Congress (TMC). The firm provides political consultancy to the TMC. Following the raids, I-PAC issued a statement expressing "serious concerns" and calling the move an "unsettling precedent" for a professional organization. However, I-PAC affirmed that it has extended full cooperation to the investigating agency and will continue to do so in accordance with the law. I-PAC emphasized its non-electoral role, stating that it neither contests elections nor holds political office, and its work is limited to transparent and professional political consulting.
The situation escalated when West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee arrived at Jain's residence and later visited the I-PAC office during the searches. Banerjee alleged that the ED was attempting to seize sensitive documents related to the TMC's election strategy ahead of the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections. She was seen leaving Jain's residence with documents and hard disks, which she claimed belonged to her party. The ED has challenged Banerjee's actions in the Calcutta High Court, alleging obstruction of its inquiry and accusing her of taking away "key evidence," including physical documents and electronic devices. The ED has also sought a CBI probe against Banerjee, accusing her of misusing her constitutional position.
In response, the Kolkata Police have lodged a suo motu complaint against unidentified ED and CRPF personnel on charges of trespassing and obstruction in connection with the search at Jain's residence. Police stated that they were prevented from entering Jain's residence and that force was used against a Deputy Commissioner and his team. They also claimed that no prior intimation was given to the local police, contrary to usual practice, and that no search warrant was shown.
The Calcutta High Court is currently hearing petitions related to the ED's operations, including the ED's plea against Banerjee and I-PAC's challenge to the legality of the raids. The MHA's request for reports from the ED and CRPF underscores the seriousness of the situation and the potential implications for the upcoming state elections. The reports are expected to provide a detailed account of the events that transpired during the raids, including the alleged obstruction by the Chief Minister and the actions of the security personnel involved.
