The Enforcement Directorate has launched fresh searches at I-PAC-linked locations in Delhi, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru in connection with the Bengal coal scam, intensifying its probe into alleged money laundering links.
ED conducts fresh raids at I-PAC premises
New Delhi: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday carried out fresh raids at multiple premises linked to political consultancy firm Indian Political Action Committee (I-PAC) in connection with the West Bengal coal smuggling case.
According to officials, the searches were conducted simultaneously across Delhi, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru as part of an ongoing money laundering investigation tied to the alleged coal pilferage racket in the state. Several locations associated with I-PAC came under scrutiny during the operation.
Among those targeted was the Bengaluru residence of Rishi Raj Singh, which had also been searched in earlier phases of the probe.
I-PAC is known for providing political consultancy services to the ruling All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) in West Bengal. The firm also manages the party’s IT and media outreach operations, placing it at the centre of the investigation.
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The ED suspects financial irregularities and alleged routing of funds linked to the coal smuggling proceeds, which it believes may have connections to payments made for political consultancy services.
The latest action follows earlier searches conducted in January at I-PAC’s Kolkata office and premises linked to its director, Pratik Jain.
Those raids sparked a major political controversy when West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee visited the office during the operation along with party leaders.
The ED later alleged that crucial evidence, including documents and electronic devices, was removed during the visit. Banerjee, however, strongly denied the claims, accusing the agency of misuse of power and political vendetta.
Following the controversy, the ED approached both the Supreme Court of India and the High Court, seeking a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The agency argued that an independent investigation was necessary due to alleged interference by the state machinery.
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Officials have also claimed that around ₹10 crore in suspected proceeds of crime were routed to I-PAC through hawala channels. These funds were allegedly linked to payments made by the TMC for the firm’s services during the 2022 Goa Assembly elections.
With fresh searches now underway, the ED appears to be tightening its probe into the alleged nexus between coal smuggling proceeds and political funding. Further findings from the raids are expected to shape the next course of the investigation.
