ED–TMC Clash: Mamata Banerjee Accused of Interfering in I-PAC Raid

ED Accuses Mamata Banerjee of Interfering in Raid

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has accused Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of actively tampering with an ongoing raid and removing crucial evidence. This has significantly increased tensions between the national government and the West Bengal administration.

Details of the January 8, 2026 Raids

The incident occurred on January 8, 2026, when authorities raided I-PAC co-founder Pratik Jain's home and the group's headquarters in Kolkata's Salt Lake neighborhood. The raids were part of an investigation into money laundering linked to a long-running coal smuggling scandal.

Political Reaction from Mamata Banerjee

Banerjee described the raids as a “politically motivated” attempt to undermine her Trinamool Congress (TMC) party's preparations for the 2026 state assembly elections.

ED’s Official Statement

According to the ED, a sitting chief minister has never been this obstructive. The agency stated that searches were conducted peacefully at 10 locations—six in West Bengal and four in Delhi—under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

Coal Smuggling and Money Laundering Probe

The investigation, which began in 2020 following a CBI case, focuses on illegal mining and coal theft from Eastern Coalfields Limited (ECL) areas in Paschim Bardhaman district, particularly around Asansol. Authorities allege that tens of crores of rupees were laundered through hawala networks.

I-PAC and Its Role in TMC

Indian Political Action Committee (I-PAC), founded by strategist Prashant Kishor, has been managing TMC campaigns since 2021 and continues to do so for the 2026 elections. It plays a key role in strategy, IT operations, and media management for the party.

Events at Pratik Jain’s Residence

The raids began early morning, with ED teams arriving at Jain’s residence around 7:30 a.m. According to the ED, operations proceeded smoothly until noon, when state police and senior officials, including Banerjee, arrived at the site.

Allegations of Evidence Removal

The ED alleges that Banerjee entered Jain’s residence and removed key evidence, including physical documents and electronic devices such as laptops, mobile phones, and hard drives. Similar actions were allegedly taken at I-PAC’s Salt Lake office.

Visuals and Media Coverage

Images and videos from the scene showed Banerjee leaving the residence carrying documents and electronic equipment. The events were broadcast live on several news channels, showing heated exchanges between central and state authorities.

Banerjee Denies Allegations

Banerjee strongly denied the ED’s claims, accusing the BJP-led central government of attempting to steal TMC’s confidential political data. She alleged misuse of central agencies by Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

Claims About Political Data Seizure

She stated that ED officials seized party strategies, candidate lists, internal records, tax details, and data related to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, which she claimed was being misused to remove voters.

Call for Protests and Legal Action

Banerjee announced statewide protests against the ED and led a march in Kolkata. She also filed complaints at Bidhannagar Police Station accusing the agency of theft and overreach.

ED Moves Calcutta High Court

The ED approached the Calcutta High Court, calling Banerjee’s actions unconstitutional and harmful to the investigation. The matter is scheduled for hearing on January 9 or 10.

BJP’s Response

BJP leaders, including Suvendu Adhikari and Amit Malviya, termed Banerjee’s actions unconstitutional and an abuse of power. They questioned why sensitive political data was stored at I-PAC offices.

Opposition Support for Banerjee

Opposition leaders such as Abhishek Singhvi and Akhilesh Yadav supported Banerjee, calling the raids an example of political coercion by the BJP.

Public and Social Media Reaction

The incident triggered intense debate on social media. Supporters hailed Banerjee’s actions as resistance to central overreach, while critics saw it as evidence of desperation amid corruption allegations.

Background of Political Tensions

This is not the first clash between the TMC government and central agencies. Similar confrontations have occurred during earlier investigations and after the 2021 assembly elections.

The Coal Scam Context

The coal scam involves illegal mining, shell companies, and hawala transactions across several districts in West Bengal. Under PMLA, obstructing searches can attract prison terms of up to seven years.

Looking Ahead

As the Calcutta High Court prepares to rule, the standoff highlights deeper tensions in India’s federal structure. Banerjee’s dramatic intervention has become a symbol of resistance for supporters and overreach for critics.