ED vs Mamata Banerjee: Agency Says I-PAC Raids Were Peaceful
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday said search operations at locations linked to I-PAC chief Pratik Jain in Kolkata remained peaceful. However, the agency claimed the situation changed after West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee arrived with a large police contingent. The ED conducted the raids as part of a money laundering probe linked to alleged coal smuggling. Meanwhile, Mamata Banerjee rejected the agency’s version and described the action as politically motivated. As a result, the ED vs Mamata Banerjee standoff intensified ahead of the Assembly elections.
ED Cites Coal Smuggling and Hawala Links
According to the ED, the searches focused on individuals who generated proceeds from illegal coal mining. Investigators alleged that hawala operators routed the money to several entities, including I-PAC. The agency claimed these transactions involved tens of crores of rupees. I-PAC works closely with the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) and manages its IT and media operations. Therefore, the ED said the searches formed a crucial part of its financial trail investigation. Officials also stated that teams faced no resistance before the chief minister reached the premises.
Mamata Banerjee Visits Pratik Jain’s Residence
Meanwhile, Mamata Banerjee arrived at Pratik Jain’s residence around noon on Thursday. Kolkata Police Commissioner Manoj Verma had reached the spot shortly before her arrival. The chief minister stayed inside for nearly 20 to 25 minutes. Later, she emerged holding a green folder. Speaking to reporters, Banerjee accused ED officials of seizing party documents and digital data. She said the material contained sensitive information related to TMC’s candidates and election planning. Consequently, she claimed she retrieved the documents during her visit.
CM Attacks BJP, Warns of Political Fallout
Subsequently, Mamata Banerjee accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of using central agencies to intimidate opposition parties. She challenged the BJP to defeat the Trinamool Congress through democratic means. “If you cannot fight us politically, why come to Bengal using agencies?” she asked. Moreover, she addressed Prime Minister Narendra Modi directly and urged him to rein in the Union home minister. Warning the BJP, Banerjee said such actions would hurt the party’s electoral prospects. Meanwhile, the ED said it would continue its probe, keeping the ED vs Mamata Banerjee clash firmly in the political spotlight.
