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The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has intensified its operations in West Bengal just as the state gears up for the first phase of assembly elections. In a series of rapid-fire actions over the past month, the federal agency has conducted nearly a dozen raids targeting political consultants, businessmen, and high-ranking police officers.
I-PAC Under the Radar: Massive Financial Discrepancies Found
One of the most significant strikes by the ED was directed at I-PAC, the political consultancy firm managing the Trinamool Congress (TMC) campaign. On April 2, the agency raided I-PAC’s offices, alleging unaccounted funding. The investigation took a serious turn with the arrest of I-PAC Director Vinesh Chandel on April 13.
Sources within the agency claim to have unearthed illegal transactions worth approximately ₹50 crore linked to the firm. Following this, the ED extended its reach by issuing notices to Barbie (wife of Director Pratik Jain) and her brother Pulkit.
Major Assets Seized in Coal Mining Scam
The crackdown didn't stop at consultancy firms. On April 14, the ED attached assets worth ₹159 crore in connection with a long-running coal mining scam. This action is seen as a continuation of the agency's efforts to trace the money trail involving influential figures in the state.
Top Cops and Business Tycoons Targeted
The heat reached the Kolkata Police as well. On April 19, raids were conducted at the premises of Deputy Commissioner of Police Shantanu Sinha Biswas and businessman Joy Kamdar. While Kamdar was arrested on charges of money laundering allegedly involving extortion and illegal land grabbing Biswas remains under the scanner for his involvement in multiple cases. Additionally, Howrah Police Commissioner Gaurav Lal has also been summoned for questioning.
Political Face-off: ‘Vengeance’ vs ‘Investigation’
The ruling Trinamool Congress has slammed these actions, labeling them as "politically motivated" and orchestrated at the behest of the BJP to disrupt their election campaign. However, ED officials maintain that these raids are part of ongoing investigations into pending financial irregularities and are independent of the political calendar.
With voting scheduled to begin shortly, the central agency's proactive stance has added a new layer of intensity to the already volatile Bengal political landscape.
Read More: Bengal Election Heat: ED Swings Into Action with High-Profile Raids on I-PAC and Top Officials
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