The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday carried out extensive search operations at multiple locations in Kolkata and Bidhannagar, including premises linked to the political consultancy firm Indian Political Action Committee (I-PAC). The raids are connected to an ongoing investigation into a coal smuggling case dating back to 2021.
Scope of the Search Operations
The central agency's teams targeted three key sites. These included I-PAC's office situated on the 11th floor of a building in Salt Lake, the Loudon Street residence of I-PAC head Pratik Jain, and the office of a trader in the Posta area of Burrabazar. The simultaneous searches signify a significant escalation in the probe.
Mamata Banerjee's Dramatic Intervention
In a dramatic turn of events, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee personally visited Pratik Jain's residence while the ED raids were underway. Emerging from the house holding a green file and a hard drive, she launched a sharp attack on the central agency and the BJP-led Union government.
"This is most unfortunate that ED raided the house and office of our IT wing and its head. They are trying to collect all the information," Banerjee stated. She clarified her connection to Jain, saying, "I rang up Pratik, he is in charge of my party."
The Chief Minister made a serious allegation, claiming the ED's intent was to access confidential party data. "I have collected the party file. ED is trying to get details of all our party activities and plans. They are trying to get the candidate list and our internal information," she asserted, displaying the items in her hand.
Directly targeting Union Home Minister Amit Shah, she questioned, "Is it the duty of ED and Amit Shah?" She further challenged, "What if I raid the BJP party office? What will be the fallout?"
Political Context and Police Presence
The incident carries strong political undertones, recalling a similar confrontation in February 2019. At that time, CBI teams had visited the residence of then-Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar concerning the Saradha chit fund case, leading Chief Minister Banerjee to stage a protest dharna at Esplanade.
Ahead of Mamata Banerjee's arrival at Loudon Street, Kolkata Police Commissioner Manoj Verma also visited Pratik Jain's house, highlighting the sensitivity of the operation involving a central agency and state authorities.
The raids on I-PAC, a firm known for its strategic election management services and its association with Banerjee's Trinamool Congress, have intensified the ongoing political tussle between the state government and the Centre. The agency's actions are framed around a financial investigation, while the state's ruling party perceives it as a political maneuver to access sensitive campaign strategies and internal documents.
