The Kolkata Police has formally launched an investigation into the search operations conducted by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) at the residence of Pratik Jain, a director of the political consultancy firm Indian Political Action Committee (I-PAC). The move comes after West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee filed an official complaint at the Shakespeare Sarani police station.
Police Gather Evidence and Record Statements
On Friday, January 10, 2026, a day after the central agency's action, police officers visited Jain's residence on Loudon Street. They collected crucial evidence, including CCTV footage and the Digital Video Recorder (DVR). The investigation is now actively progressing with the recording of statements from individuals present during the raid.
According to police sources, the statements of the security guards and household help at Pratik Jain's house are being recorded. A senior officer indicated that the police may also question Jain's family members to ascertain specific details about the ED's operation. The line of questioning is expected to focus on the exact time the ED team arrived, the number of officials involved, and the manner in which the search was conducted.
Chronology of the Raid and Alleged Confrontation
The ED team had arrived at the Loudon Street address around 6:30 am on Thursday, January 9, 2026, and commenced the search. Sources state that ED officials reported their action at the Shakespeare Sarani police station shortly after beginning the operation.
The situation, however, escalated into an alleged confrontation. Around 9 am, a police sergeant who initially went to the spot was reportedly not allowed to enter the house and was allegedly pushed. Subsequently, Deputy Commissioner of Police (South) Priyabrata Roy arrived and was also allegedly obstructed. The scene drew the attention of top brass, with Police Commissioner Manoj Verma arriving shortly thereafter.
The political stakes became visibly high when Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee herself reached the residence. She later walked out with documents, accusing the central agency of attempting to steal her party's election strategy. I-PAC is the election management company that advises the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the West Bengal government.
Legal Repercussions and Parallels to Past Incidents
The police have registered a suo motu complaint against the ED, citing obstruction of their duty. It was also alleged that the police were stopped from entering the I-PAC office while the search was ongoing.
This incident has drawn parallels to a previous event in Sandeshkhali, where ED officials were assaulted during a search at suspended TMC leader Shahjahan Sheikh's house. In that case, the police had summoned ED officials for questioning. Many observers believe a similar summons could be issued in the current case, though a key difference remains: in Sandeshkhali, the ED had filed a separate police complaint, which has not happened in the I-PAC director raid case.
The investigation marks a significant escalation in the ongoing tensions between the West Bengal state administration and central investigative agencies, setting the stage for a complex legal and political battle.
