The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday carried out searches at the Salt Lake Sector V office of I-PAC, the political consultancy firm that advises the West Bengal government. According to agency sources, a special ED team arrived from Delhi to conduct the operation in connection with an old coal smuggling case registered in the national capital. The agency also searched the Loudon Street residence of I-PAC founder Pratik Jain, where the operation continued for several hours.
Who Is Pratik Jain?
Pratik Jain is the Co-founder and Director of I-PAC (Indian Political Action Committee), one of India’s most influential political consultancy firms. An alumnus of IIT Bombay, Jain is known for working behind the scenes on election strategy, data analysis, and governance outreach programmes.
I-PAC has advised several major political parties and governments across India, including the Trinamool Congress in West Bengal. Under Jain’s leadership, the firm has focused on grassroots engagement, campaign management, and policy feedback systems, aiming to create measurable political impact at every level.
Searches Linked to Coal Smuggling Case
ED officials said the searches are linked to an old coal smuggling case registered in Delhi. Sources indicated that documents and digital data were being examined as part of the probe. The agency also attempted to seize electronic devices during the operation, according to officials familiar with the matter.
Mamata Banerjee Arrives at Pratik Jain’s Home
Around noon, while the searches were underway, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee arrived at Pratik Jain’s residence in Kolkata. Kolkata Police Commissioner Manoj Verma had reached the location a few minutes earlier. The Chief Minister’s sudden visit drew attention and sparked strong political reactions.
Mamata Banerjee Slams Centre, Targets Amit Shah
Reacting sharply to the raids, Mamata Banerjee accused the Centre of political vendetta. “Unfortunately, our IT cell office was targeted in an attempt to seize all hard disks. This appears to be part of a planned political strategy,” she said.
She also took aim at Union Home Minister Amit Shah, calling him a “nasty Home Minister” and alleging that central agencies were being misused.
“He cannot even protect the country. Enforcement agencies and the Home Ministry have failed to safeguard democratic institutions. On one hand, voters’ names are being deleted; on the other, there are attempts to illegally collect sensitive data,” Banerjee added.
I-PAC’s Role in West Bengal Politics
I-PAC maintains close coordination with senior bureaucrats and works closely with Trinamool Congress national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee and his office. The consultancy is believed to play a key role in candidate selection during Assembly elections and remains actively involved throughout the campaign process.
The ED has not yet issued an official statement detailing the findings of the searches. The political developments surrounding the raids are expected to further intensify the ongoing confrontation between the Trinamool Congress and the Centre.
