High political drama unfolded in Kolkata after the Enforcement Directorate conducted raids linked to an alleged money laundering case at locations associated with the Indian Political Action Committee. The situation took an unprecedented turn when West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee personally arrived at the residence of I-PAC head Prateek Jain while the search operation was still underway. She was later seen exiting the premises holding a green file, visuals of which quickly went viral and triggered a nationwide political debate. The Chief Minister alleged that the raids were politically motivated and aimed at accessing sensitive Trinamool Congress election-related documents ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections.
Soon after leaving the Loudon Street residence, Mamata Banerjee headed to I-PAC’s Salt Lake office, where another ED team was conducting searches. Reports suggested that she entered the premises through a back door and remained inside briefly. Officials from the Chief Minister’s Office were later seen carrying several files, which were placed in the vehicle accompanying her. According to sources, the Enforcement Directorate is probing allegations that proceeds from the Bengal coal scam were routed to I-PAC for political consultancy work, including during the Trinamool Congress’s campaign in the 2022 Goa Assembly elections. The agency claimed that documents and electronic evidence were removed during the raid, an accusation denied by the state government.
The developments have further escalated tensions between the Trinamool Congress and the BJP-led Centre. Mamata Banerjee accused Union Home Minister Amit Shah and the BJP of misusing central agencies to intimidate political opponents, while the BJP rejected the claims and asserted that the investigation was purely legal. The Enforcement Directorate later approached the Calcutta High Court alleging obstruction during the searches, adding a legal dimension to the controversy. With crucial elections approaching, the episode has intensified the political standoff in West Bengal, and the mystery surrounding the seized files continues to fuel speculation and sharp political reactions.
