- ED raids on I-PAC offices spark political row in Kolkata
- ED raids on I-PAC trigger Mamata visit, BJP backlash
The ED raids on I-PAC in Kolkata on Thursday morning triggered sharp political reactions and protests. The Enforcement Directorate conducted searches at the Kolkata based political consultancy firm I-PAC as part of a money laundering case. The agency also raided the house of Prateek Jain, a key official of I-PAC, and the firm’s office located in V Salt Lake.
Prateek Jain plays a key role in political strategy work. According to the input, he works closely with West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s Trinamool Congress. He writes political strategies for the TMC. Therefore, the ED action quickly turned into a major political flashpoint in the state.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee strongly condemned the ED raids on I-PAC and on Prateek Jain’s house. While the searches were still underway, Mamata went to Prateek Jain’s residence along with senior police officers. She later said that she had taken key documents related to her party. Meanwhile, she alleged that the ED was conducting the raids to gather details about TMC candidates and secret information linked to political and election strategies.
Mamata also questioned the intent behind the ED action. She asked what would happen if similar raids were carried out at the BJP office. Later, she spoke to the media while holding a file in her hand. She then reached the I-PAC office in Salt Lake. During this time, TMC workers staged protests outside the office, raising slogans against the central agency.
Meanwhile, central forces were deployed at the I-PAC office as a precaution. Senior police officials were also present and reviewed the situation. The security presence increased as tensions rose outside the premises due to the protests by ruling party workers.
On the other hand, opposition BJP leader Suvendu Adhikar reacted strongly to Mamata Banerjee’s actions. He condemned the Chief Minister’s visit to the house of a person whose premises were being searched by the ED. He alleged that Mamata had made it her business to obstruct the duties of central investigative agencies. He demanded that the ED take action against her and described her conduct as immoral.
The ED raids on I-PAC have therefore deepened the political confrontation in West Bengal. The searches, protests, and counter allegations reflect growing tensions between the state government and central agencies.
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