ED conducts fresh raids linked to I-PAC in Bengal coal case

India’s Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday carried out a fresh round of searches at several locations linked to political consultancy firm I-PAC as part of its ongoing investigation into the West Bengal coal smuggling case, as per reports.

Raids were reportedly conducted in Hyderabad, Bengaluru and Delhi, with officials confirming that multiple premises connected to the firm were searched simultaneously.

Reports citing sources said the Bengaluru residence of Rishi Raj Singh was among the locations covered during the operation.

I-PAC is known for providing political consultancy to West Bengal’s ruling Trinamool Congress and handles key aspects of the party’s IT and media operations.

Earlier on March 28, ED had conducted simultaneous raids and search operations across West Bengal, including Kolkata and its outskirts, in connection with a land-scam case. 

Sources aware of the development said, among the places where the central agency officials are conducting simultaneous raids and search operations, include the office and the residence of an influential city-based businessman, having close links with the ruling Trinamool Congress.

However, the ED officials refused to disclose the name of the said businessman.

ED’s raid and search operations are happening amid the crucial two-phase Assembly elections in West Bengal on April 24 and April 29, with the Model Code of Conduct already in force.

To recall, on January 8 this year, the ED officials faced resistance while attempting raid and search operations at the office of the Indian Action Political Committee (I-PAC) and the residence of its co-founder, Pratik Jain.

While the raid and search operations were on, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, accompanied by top bureaucrats and police officers from the state, appeared at both the residence of Jain and the office of I-PAC one after another, and left with some files.

A case in this matter is currently being heard in the Supreme Court. Incidentally, I-PAC is the voter strategy agency of Trinamool Congress.

(with inputs from syndicated feed)