NEW DELHI: Political consultancy firm Indian Political Action Committee (I-PAC) has termed the Enforcement Directorate raids an “unsettling precedent”. The probe agency condicted searches at I-PAC offices and the residence of its director, Pratik Jain, in Kolkata a day before, in connection with a coal smuggling-linked money laundering case.In a statement on Friday, the firm categorically stated that it had worked for parties including “across ideologies” including BJP, Congress and AAP among others.
“Yesterday, officials from the Enforcement Directorate carried out searches at the I-PAC office and at the residence of our Director, Pratik Jain, in Kolkata. It was 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,” the statement said.“Over the years, I-PAC has worked in a professional advisory capacity with multiple political parties across ideologies and regions, including the Bharatiya Janata Party, Indian National Congress, Aam Aadmi Party, All India Trinamool Congress, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, YSR Congress Party, Telangana Rashtra Samithi (now BRS), Janata Dal (United), Shiv Sena among others. We do not contest elections or hold political office. Our role is limited to transparent and professional political consulting, uninfluenced by differences in political ideology,” it further said.High drama unfolded after the ED carried out searches at the Salt Lake office of political consultancy firm I-PAC and the Kolkata residence of its founder Pratik Jain, along with other locations in West Bengal and Delhi, in connection with a coal scam-linked money laundering probe. The ED alleged that chief minister Mamata Banerjee interfered during the raids, removed digital devices and key documents with police support, and forced officials to terminate the searches without making any seizures.The agency also claimed that around Rs 20 crore in hawala funds from alleged coal pilferage were routed to I-PAC and has sought court protection, including safeguards against tampering with seized data and relief from FIRs filed against its officials.
