Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee renewed his sharp attack on the Enforcement Directorate (ED) over the recent searches at the office of political consultancy firm I PAC, accusing central agencies of selective action and political bias against West Bengal.
Speaking at the Ami Banglar Digital Joddha conclave, Abhishek questioned the intent behind the raids. He argued that if a company is searched, all its directors should face similar action. “One director works in Delhi, another in Tamil Nadu, and one works in Bengal. Then why is the raid happening only in Bengal?” he asked.
Taking his allegations further, Abhishek claimed the ED did not arrive to collect information but to seize documents unlawfully. “They did not come to investigate. They came to steal,” he alleged, intensifying the political confrontation.
Launching a direct attack on the BJP, Abhishek invoked the political legacy of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. He said the BJP should learn from the CPM, adding that Mamata Banerjee never bowed down to bombs and guns. “Do you really think sending ED and CBI will weaken her?” he asked.
Meanwhile, the controversy surrounding I PAC has reached the country’s highest court. After proceedings were deferred in the Calcutta High Court, the ED moved the Supreme Court, seeking an urgent hearing. On Monday, the central agency approached the Chief Justice’s bench requesting expedited consideration of its petition.
In its submission, the ED alleged that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and senior police officials of West Bengal obstructed the investigation. Investigating officers claimed they were threatened during the searches and that important documents and files were forcibly taken away.
The searches were conducted at two locations, the residence of Pratik Jain and the office premises of Indian PAC Consulting Private Limited. The ED further alleged that the Chief Minister and her supporters gathered large crowds, which disrupted the search operations.
As the issue moves from political platforms to the courtroom, the episode highlights the growing confrontation between the central agencies and the Bengal government, turning a law enforcement action into a high stakes political and legal battle.
