Days after the raid at I-PAC's office by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), its chief, Rahul Navin is likely to visit Kolkata, on Thursday. Officials stated that the ED director's visit to the Kolkata branch is a routine event.
During this visit, the director will review all cases being investigated in the area and interact with the staff. He is also expected to get feedback from the officers about the working conditions and security arrangements for the staff and the office. Officials said that cases still in court will also be discussed.
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The raid
I-PAC was raided by the federal agency on January 8. Following the raids, I-PAC issued a statement on its official X handle, calling the searches "difficult and unfortunate" for a professional organisation.
"We have extended full cooperation and will continue to do so as required, engaging with the process in complete accordance and respect for the law," I-PAC said in a statement on X on January 9. I-PAC also warned that these actions create an unsettling precedent and raise concerns about the impact on professional consultancies.
Statement from I-PAC pic.twitter.com/rlXxhQ0wf8
— I-PAC (@IndianPAC) January 9, 2026
TMC's stand
The raids have caused political turmoil in Bengal. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and the Trinamool Congress (TMC) have strongly criticised the ED’s actions, claiming that Central agencies are being misused to attack political rivals.
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The TMC had filed counter petitions in the Calcutta High Court, questioning the legality and purpose of the raids. Party leaders believe that the move is politically motivated and meant to weaken I-PAC's role in developing electoral strategies.
