NEW DELHI: Political consultancy firm Indian Political Action Committee (I-PAC) has termed the Enforcement Directorate raids an “unsettling precedent”. The probe agency condicted searches at I-PAC offices and the residence of its director, Pratik Jain, in Kolkata a day before, in connection with a coal smuggling-linked money laundering case.In a statement on Friday, the firm categorically stated that it had worked for parties including “across ideologies” including BJP, Congress and AAP among others. BJP Targets Mamata Banerjee Over ED Raid At I-PAC, Alleges Evidence Tampering “Yesterday, officials from the Enforcement Directorate carried out searches at the I-PAC office and at the residence of our Director, Pratik Jain, in Kolkata. It was difficult and unfortunate day for a professional organisation like I-PAC. We believe this raises serious concerns and sets an unsettling precedent. Regardless, we have extended full cooperation and will continue to do so as required, engaging with the process in complete accordance and respect for the law,” the statement said.”Over the years, I-PAC has worked in a professional advisory capacity with multiple political parties across ideologies and regions, including the Bharatiya Janata Party, Indian National Congress, Aam Aadmi Party, All India Trinamool Congress, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, YSR Congress Party, Telangana Rashtra Samithi (now BRS), Janata Dal (United), Shiv Sena among others. We do not contest elections or hold political office. Our role is limited to transparent and professional political consulting, uninfluenced by differences in political ideology,” it further said.High drama unfolded after the ED carried out searches at the Salt Lake office of political consultancy firm I-PAC and the Kolkata residence of its founder Pratik Jain, along with other locations in West Bengal and Delhi, in connection with a coal scam-linked money laundering probe. The ED alleged that chief minister Mamata Banerjee interfered during the raids, removed digital devices and key documents with police support, and forced officials to terminate the searches without making any seizures.The agency also claimed that around Rs 20 crore in hawala funds from alleged coal pilferage were routed to I-PAC and has sought court protection, including safeguards against tampering with seized data and relief from FIRs filed against its officials.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosIndia No Longer Imports Arms, UP Leads Defence Manufacturing: Rajnath Singh’Not Accurate’: India Hits Back After Trump Aide Blames PM Modi For Delayed Trade DealMEA Calls For Firm Action As India Flags Disturbing Pattern Of Attacks On Minorities In BangladeshPM Modi To Host German Chancellor Merz In Gujarat As India-Germany Ties Enter Strategic Phase’PM Modi-Trump Held 8 Calls In 2025′: India Rejects Lutnick’s Claim On Stalled Trade AgreementThe Day CBI Arrested Indira Gandhi And Sonia’s Pasta Maker That May Have Saved The Day For CongHow US Pulled Off A Mission Defining Security Operation For Jaishankar During Government ShutdownVenezuelan Oil For India? 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NEW DELHI: Political consultancy firm Indian Political Action Committee (I-PAC) has termed the Enforcement Directorate raids an “unsettling precedent”. The probe agency condicted searches at I-PAC offices and the residence of its director, Pratik Jain, in Kolkata a day before, in connection with a coal smuggling-linked money laundering case.In a statement on Friday, the firm categorically stated that it had worked for parties including “across ideologies” including BJP, Congress and AAP among others.
“Yesterday, officials from the Enforcement Directorate carried out searches at the I-PAC office and at the residence of our Director, Pratik Jain, in Kolkata. It was difficult and unfortunate day for a professional organisation like I-PAC. We believe this raises serious concerns and sets an unsettling precedent. Regardless, we have extended full cooperation and will continue to do so as required, engaging with the process in complete accordance and respect for the law,” the statement said.“Over the years, I-PAC has worked in a professional advisory capacity with multiple political parties across ideologies and regions, including the Bharatiya Janata Party, Indian National Congress, Aam Aadmi Party, All India Trinamool Congress, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, YSR Congress Party, Telangana Rashtra Samithi (now BRS), Janata Dal (United), Shiv Sena among others. We do not contest elections or hold political office. Our role is limited to transparent and professional political consulting, uninfluenced by differences in political ideology,” it further said.High drama unfolded after the ED carried out searches at the Salt Lake office of political consultancy firm I-PAC and the Kolkata residence of its founder Pratik Jain, along with other locations in West Bengal and Delhi, in connection with a coal scam-linked money laundering probe. The ED alleged that chief minister Mamata Banerjee interfered during the raids, removed digital devices and key documents with police support, and forced officials to terminate the searches without making any seizures.The agency also claimed that around Rs 20 crore in hawala funds from alleged coal pilferage were routed to I-PAC and has sought court protection, including safeguards against tampering with seized data and relief from FIRs filed against its officials.
