ED Raids Mamata Banerjee’s Poll Strategist; CM Cries ‘Document Chori’

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Wednesday conducted searches at multiple locations in Kolkata linked to political consulting firm Indian Political Action Committee (I-PAC) as part of an ongoing money-laundering investigation. The action sparked a strong reaction from West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who accused the central agency of forcibly taking confidential Trinamool congress (TMC) documents.

The ED searched I-PAC’s office at the Godrej Waterside building in Sector V, Salt Lake, as well as the residence of senior I-PAC functionary Pratik Jain in central Kolkata. Jain is widely regarded as a key member of Mamata Banerjee’s election strategy team and also heads the TMC’s IT wing.

As news of the raids spread, several TMC leaders and supporters gathered outside the Salt Lake office, leading to heightened tension in the area. The Bidhannagar Police Commissioner also reached the spot. Mamata Banerjee, who was initially at another location, proceeded to the Sector V office amid the unfolding situation.

Addressing the media, Banerjee alleged that the ED’s actions went beyond the scope of a financial investigation. “It is most unfortunate that the ED came to our office to collect candidate lists, party strategy, plans, and confidential documents,” the chief minister said.

She accused Union Home Minister Amit Shah of orchestrating the raid with political motives. “This is the work of a mischievous Home Minister who cannot protect the nation. Amit Shah wants to steal our party’s candidate lists,” Banerjee alleged, claiming that documents were taken without proper safeguards.

“They are taking my party documents. There were no proper security arrangements. On one side, names are being deleted from voter lists, and on the other, they are collecting our documents,” she said, questioning the legality and intent of the operation.

Raising further objections, Banerjee asked whether it was within the ED’s mandate to seize political material. “Is it the duty of the ED or the Home Minister to collect candidate lists and party strategy?” she asked, adding, “If I were to get BJP party documents, what would be the reaction?”

The chief minister said she personally intervened after learning about the raids. “Pratik is handling my party’s work. The ED raided my IT office in Sector V, so I am going there,” Banerjee said, while announcing a statewide protest by the TMC later in the day.

Meanwhile, BJP leader and Leader of Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, accused Mamata Banerjee of obstructing a central agency. “I will not comment on the raid. The ED will explain the reasons. Mamata Banerjee has a history of interfering with central agencies. She obstructed the investigation today, and the ED will act using its legal powers,” he said.

Pratik Jain is a co-founder of I-PAC, a political consultancy founded by strategist prashant kishor ahead of the 2014 Lok Sabha elections. The firm has worked closely with the TMC and the West Bengal government, particularly since the 2019 general elections.

Mamata’s Allegations and ED’s Response

Responding to the chief minister’s accusations, the Enforcement Directorate said the searches were part of a routine money-laundering investigation and were not linked to elections.

In an official statement, the agency alleged that “certain persons, including constitutional functionaries, intruded illegally at two of the searched premises and snatched away documents by misusing their position.”

The ED further claimed that proceeds of crime linked to an alleged coal theft scam were traced to I-PAC in connection with the TMC’s campaign for the 2022 Goa Assembly elections. “Crime proceeds were transferred to Goa and provided to I-PAC for its services during the elections,” the agency said, adding that further details were being uncovered as the probe continued.

The raids have once again intensified the political standoff between the Trinamool Congress and the BJP, with both sides trading sharp allegations as investigations and protests unfold simultaneously.