The family of Pratik Jain, chief of political consultancy firm Indian Political Action Committee (I-PAC), has lodged a police complaint against the Enforcement Directorate (ED), alleging that important documents were stolen during searches conducted at their Kolkata residence on Thursday.
The complaint was filed by Jain’s wife at the Shakespeare Sarani police station after a nearly nine-hour search operation that began around 7.30 am. “Shortly after the search concluded, Pratik Jain’s wife filed a complaint alleging theft by the ED. It is alleged that essential documents were taken from their home during the raid,” a police officer said. Confirming the development, the officer added, “We have received a formal allegation of theft against the ED and are investigating the matter. Appropriate action will be taken based on the findings.”
Two first information reports have been registered so far in connection with the ED raids. One FIR was filed suo motu by the police, alleging that ED officials manhandled local police personnel and carried out the raid without prior intimation to the jurisdictional police station. The second FIR stems from the complaint lodged by Jain’s family, accusing ED officials of stealing documents during the search.
The searches formed part of a money-laundering investigation linked to an alleged multi-crore coal pilferage scam in West Bengal. According to the ED, raids were conducted at 10 locations, including Jain’s residence on Loudon Street and I-PAC’s office in Salt Lake, with four premises also searched in Delhi.
The operation quickly escalated into a political flashpoint after West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee visited Jain’s residence during the search. The ED later accused the Chief Minister of “obstructing the investigation” and alleged that she walked away with electronic devices and physical documents from the searched premises. The central agency has moved the Calcutta High Court over the issue, and the matter is expected to be heard on Friday.
Banerjee, however, has strongly denied the allegations, insisting that the searches were politically motivated and carried out at the behest of the Bharatiya Janata Party ahead of the Assembly elections due later this year. The ED has rejected this charge, maintaining that the searches were “evidence-based” and not directed at any political party or establishment.
I-PAC, originally founded by political strategist Prashant Kishor, has worked closely with the ruling Trinamool Congress since the 2021 Assembly elections, after which its contract was extended until 2026. In addition to political consultancy, the firm also manages the TMC’s IT and media operations.
