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‘ED raids unfortunate, raise serious concern’: I-PAC issues statement

Statesman News Service

ED raids I-PAC office in Kolkata (Photo: ANI)


A day after the Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted raids at the office of I-PAC in connection with the alleged coal smuggling case, Indian Political Action Committee (I-PAC) has issued a statement calling it ‘unfortunate.’

While expressing ‘serious concern’ over the raids by ED at its office, I-PAC clarified that it extended full cooperation to the probing authorities during the searches and would continue to function following the ‘highest standards of professional integrity.’

The statement read: “It was a difficult and unfortunate day for a professional organisation like I-PAC. We believe this raises serious concerns and sets an unsettling precedent. Regardless, 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. We have always upheld the highest standards of professional integrity in all that we do. Despite what transpired yesterday, we remain fully committed to continuing our work unfazed and unperturbed, with consistency and accountability guided by the same purpose that has shaped us from the start.”

The Enforcement Directorate had carried out searches at the I-PAC office and at the residence of its Director, Pratik Jain, in Kolkata, yesterday. However, while ED was conducting the search proceedings, the West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee arrived at the residence of Pratik Jain.

The Enforcement Directorate has alleged that the CM entered Jain’s residential premises while the search operation was ongoing. It has further accused Banerjee of taking away “key evidence,” including physical documents and electronic devices from the spot.

ED raids on I-PAC ignite high political drama

The ED raids at I-PAC office have triggered a huge political row in the state. Mamata Banerjee took to the streets in Kolkata earlier today and led a protest rally against the central agency. Many senior party leaders, ministers, MPs, MLAs, and supporters took part in the march that started from the 8B Bus Stand area.

Targeting the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), CM Mamata Banerjee said, “I never react, but if anyone hurts me, I never spare them.” She further said that she had never seen any party like the BJP before.
She accused the BJP of misusing central agencies for political vendetta.


Also, AITC MPs had held a massive protest outside Home Minister Amit Shah’s office in New Delhi, against the Enforcement Directorate action at the I-PAC office in Kolkata. The MPs described as politically motivated. Eight MPs were detained by Delhi Police as the protest intensified.

Also read: BJP targets Mamata on ‘seizing’ documents, but has the proverbial ‘fighter’ just landed a poll weapon?

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