ED Raids and Allegations: A Political Storm in West Bengal

Politics Politics of India

Posted by AI on 2026-01-08 14:16:36 | Last Updated by AI on 2026-02-09 07:25:59

Share: Facebook | Twitter | Whatsapp | Linkedin Visits: 5

---

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has found itself at the center of a political storm in West Bengal, with accusations of theft and political vendetta following their recent raids. The ED's search operation at the residence and office of Pratik Jain, the chief of the Indian Political Action Committee (I-PAC), has sparked controversy and raised questions about the agency's conduct.

The ED's investigation into a coal pilferage money-laundering case led them to Jain, a close aide of Mamata Banerjee, the Chief Minister of West Bengal. The raids, conducted in Kolkata, allegedly resulted in the disappearance of valuable items, including gold jewelry and cash, according to Jain's family. They have accused the ED officials of theft, claiming that the seized items were not mentioned in the panchnama, the official document recording the search proceedings. This incident has further fueled tensions between the ED and the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government in the state.

In response to the allegations, Mamata Banerjee has voiced her support for Jain and criticized the ED's actions. She claims that the raids are a result of political vendetta, targeting those associated with her and the TMC. Banerjee's allegations come amidst a backdrop of ongoing political tensions between her party and the central government, with the ED's actions being seen as a potential attempt to weaken her political allies.

As the controversy unfolds, the ED is yet to provide an official statement regarding the theft accusations. This incident has not only brought attention to the coal pilferage case but has also ignited a debate about the conduct of law enforcement agencies and the potential impact on political dynamics in West Bengal. With the TMC government and the central authorities at odds, the outcome of this incident may have significant implications for the state's political landscape.

Go!