ED Raids I-PAC Offices in Kolkata, Mamata Banerjee Accuses BJP of Targeting Trinamool Strategy

A major political confrontation unfolded in Kolkata after the Enforcement Directorate carried out searches linked to political consultancy firm I-PAC, triggering sharp reactions from West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who alleged that the central agency was attempting to access confidential election-related material of the Trinamool Congress (TMC).

The ED conducted searches at multiple locations in the city as part of an ongoing money laundering investigation. The raids included the residence of Pratik Jain, a senior functionary associated with I-PAC, and the firm’s office located in the Sector V area of Salt Lake. Jain is considered a key figure involved in managing the ruling party’s political and digital strategy in the state.

As news of the searches spread, senior TMC leaders and supporters gathered outside the I-PAC office, leading to heightened tension in the area. Senior police officials also reached the spot to maintain law and order. Mamata Banerjee, who was present at one of the locations earlier, later moved to the Sector V office to personally oversee the situation.

Addressing the media, the Chief Minister strongly criticised the ED’s actions, alleging that the agency was attempting to seize internal party documents, including candidate lists, election strategies, and planning materials. She questioned whether it was within the legal mandate of the Enforcement Directorate to collect political documents unrelated to financial investigations.

Banerjee directly accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leadership of orchestrating the move, naming Union Home Minister Amit Shah and alleging political misuse of central agencies. She claimed that confidential party documents were taken without adequate security or procedural safeguards and linked the action to broader concerns about democratic processes.

Drawing parallels, the Chief Minister asked how similar actions would be viewed if opposition parties were to obtain internal documents of the BJP. She further announced a statewide protest later in the day, calling upon party workers to demonstrate against what she described as political intimidation.

The BJP, however, rejected the allegations. Senior party leader Suvendu Adhikari criticised Mamata Banerjee’s response, accusing her of interfering with the functioning of a federal investigative agency. He stated that the ED was empowered to carry out its investigation and that any obstruction could invite legal consequences.

Meanwhile, the Enforcement Directorate issued a formal clarification, stating that the searches were not connected to electoral processes but were part of a routine investigation into alleged money laundering activities. According to the agency, proceeds from an alleged coal pilferage case were traced to political consultancy operations, including payments linked to election-related work outside West Bengal.

The ED further claimed that some individuals, including constitutional authorities, unlawfully entered search premises and removed documents during the operation, complicating the investigation. Officials indicated that further details were being examined as the probe progressed.

I-PAC, or the Indian Political Action Committee, has worked with multiple political parties across India and has been closely associated with the Trinamool Congress in recent years. The latest developments have intensified the political standoff in West Bengal, adding to the ongoing debate over the use of central agencies and the boundaries between investigation and politics.