Tensions flared in Kolkata on Wednesday after the Enforcement Directorate carried out searches connected to political consultancy firm Indian Political Action Committee (I-PAC) as part of a money-laundering investigation, drawing an angry response from West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

The federal agency conducted operations at two sites: the central Kolkata residence of Pratik Jain, a senior I-PAC functionary, and the firm’s office located at the Godrej Waterside complex in Salt Lake’s Sector V. Jain is widely regarded as a key strategist involved in shaping the Trinamool Congress’s election campaigns.

As details of the searches emerged, several TMC leaders gathered outside the Sector V office, leading to heightened security deployment. The Bidhannagar Police Commissioner reached the spot as crowds grew. Mamata Banerjee, who initially appeared at one of the locations, later proceeded to the Salt Lake office herself.

Addressing the media, Banerjee alleged that the ED’s action was politically motivated and aimed at accessing sensitive party material. She claimed the agency had seized confidential documents related to the TMC’s internal planning, including candidate selections and campaign strategies.

The Chief Minister directly blamed Union Home Minister Amit Shah, accusing him of using central agencies to gather political information. She questioned whether it fell within the ED’s authority to confiscate documents linked to party strategy and asked how such actions would be viewed if the situation were reversed.

Banerjee further alleged that the documents were taken without proper security measures and said she intervened personally after being informed of the raid. Announcing a political response, she called for a statewide protest later in the day.

The BJP, however, pushed back strongly. Senior leader Suvendu Adhikari accused the Chief Minister of interfering with the functioning of a central investigative agency and said her actions amounted to obstruction of an official probe. He added that the ED was empowered to respond to such interference under the law.

Pratik Jain, who is also associated with the TMC’s IT operations, is a co-founder of I-PAC. The consultancy, established by political strategist Prashant Kishor ahead of the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, has worked with multiple parties and has had a close association with the TMC, particularly after the 2019 general elections.

Responding to Banerjee’s accusations, the Enforcement Directorate denied that the searches had any connection to electoral politics. The agency claimed that its officials were obstructed at two of the ten locations under search and alleged that documents were forcibly taken away.

In a further statement, the ED said it was investigating the alleged diversion of funds linked to a coal pilferage case. According to the agency, these funds were routed to Goa and allegedly paid to I-PAC for consultancy work during the TMC’s campaign in the 2022 Goa Assembly elections. Officials said the probe is ongoing and further details are being examined.