The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday launched simultaneous search operations at multiple locations linked to the political consultancy firm Indian Political Action Committee (I-PAC) in Kolkata, triggering a major political storm. The raids, connected to a five-year-old case, prompted a fierce reaction from West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who trailed the federal agency's teams and accused Union Home Minister Amit Shah of orchestrating a political vendetta.
Simultaneous Raids and High-Profile Shadowing
ED officials split into three groups early in the morning, commencing searches between 6:05 am and 6:30 am. The locations included I-PAC director Pratik Jain's residence on Loudon Street, the firm's office in Salt Lake's Sector V, and a businessman's home in the Posta area. Only two employees were present at the Sector V office at the time of the raid.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, accompanied by top police officials, personally followed the ED's movements throughout the day. She first visited Jain's Loudon Street home around noon after being unable to reach him by phone, staying for seven minutes and leaving with a green folder, a hard drive, and a mobile phone.
"Snatching Poll Strategy": Mamata's Allegations
Banerjee launched a scathing attack on the BJP-led central government, specifically targeting Home Minister Amit Shah. She alleged the raids were a pre-election tactic to seize her party's confidential election plans. "Amit Shah has sent ED to snatch our party's poll strategy and candidate list. Is this the ED's work?" she questioned.
She further labeled Shah as "nasty and naughty" and accused the ED of "a crime." Banerjee claimed the agency's forensic team transferred data related to polls and strategies from I-PAC offices. "They have taken our hard disks and papers. I will not tolerate our stuff being snatched away," she asserted outside the Sector V office, where she remained for nearly four hours.
Security Tightened as Political Tensions Flare
The high-voltage drama led to a significant security buildup. As Trinamool Congress workers, led by ministers and local leaders, gathered at the Sector V location, Bidhannagar Police tightened the security cordon. The ED also requisitioned additional CRPF personnel for the operation.
Director General of Police Rajeev Kumar and Kolkata Police Commissioner Manoj Verma were present at the raid sites. The ED concluded its search at Jain's residence in the afternoon, allowing him and his family free movement. Jain, escorted by a Kolkata Police team, later reached the Sector V office where he spoke with CM Banerjee for about 45 minutes. The ED team finally left the Godrej Waterside building office at 5:20 pm.
Banerjee questioned the timing of the raids ahead of elections and challenged the BJP to fight democratically. "We get notices whenever elections approach. Notices are not sent to the BJP, which has all the money and muscle power," she stated, framing the action as a politically motivated assault on her party's campaign machinery.
