The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday conducted search operations at multiple locations linked to political consultancy firm IPAC in Delhi, Bengaluru and Hyderabad, in connection with an alleged coal smuggling case linked to West Bengal.
According to sources, the searches were carried out at several premises, including the Bengaluru residence of an IPAC official, Rishiraj Singh. The ED has not issued an official statement on the raids so far.
Searches linked to alleged fund trail
Investigators claim that IPAC received around Rs. 10 crore through hawala channels during the 2022 Goa Assembly elections. A section of officials suspects that the funds may be linked to proceeds from coal smuggling.
However, these claims have not been officially confirmed by the agency. The searches are part of an ongoing probe into alleged financial irregularities connected to the coal smuggling case in West Bengal.
IPAC is known to be associated with the Trinamool Congress and is currently involved in strategising for the party ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections in the state.
Political reactions and legal battle
The developments have raised questions in political circles over whether the action is linked to the election season. Similar action was taken earlier on January 8, when the ED searched the residence and office of IPAC head Prateek Jain in connection with the same case.
During that operation, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had visited the location. The ED later approached the Supreme Court, alleging obstruction of its investigation and snatching of documents.
In response, the state government also moved to court, challenging the agency's actions. The ED invoked Article 32 of the Constitution, alleging "illegal interference" by the state authorities.
The West Bengal government, in its affidavit, argued that the search operation violated Article 21, which guarantees the right to life and personal liberty.
The latest searches come at a time when election preparations are intensifying, with the probe continuing alongside an ongoing legal dispute between the agency and the state government.
