Fri Jan 09 04:49:46 UTC 2026: ### ED Raids on I-PAC Spark Political Firestorm in West Bengal

The Story:

Tensions are escalating between the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) following raids on the office and residence of I-PAC chief Pratik Jain on January 8, 2026. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is leading protests against what she calls misuse of central agencies. The ED has accused Ms. Banerjee of obstructing the investigation by removing evidence from the raided locations, prompting them to seek a CBI investigation into her actions and those of senior police officials. The TMC has also approached the Calcutta High Court seeking restraint on the ‘misuse, dissemination’ of documents seized by ED. Meanwhile, TMC MPs are staging protests in Delhi, leading to detentions.

Key Points:

  • The ED conducted raids on I-PAC offices and the residence of co-founder Pratik Jain on January 8, 2026, in connection with a money laundering case linked to alleged coal smuggling dating back to 2020.
  • Mamata Banerjee is accused by the ED of entering the residence of Pratik Jain and the I-PAC office, and removing key evidence.
  • The ED has approached the Calcutta High Court, seeking a CBI investigation into Mamata Banerjee’s role in obstructing the raids.
  • Eight TMC MPs, including Derek O’Brien and Mahua Moitra, were detained in Delhi while protesting against the ED raids outside the Home Ministry’s office.
  • The TMC has moved the Calcutta High Court, seeking restraint on ‘misuse, dissemination’ of documents seized by ED.
  • TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee posted on X that Bengal would fight the BJP and defeat the party.

Key Takeaways:

  • The ED raids on I-PAC have triggered a major political confrontation between the TMC and the central government.
  • The allegations against Mamata Banerjee of obstructing justice have significantly escalated the conflict.
  • The legal battles in the Calcutta High Court, involving both the ED and TMC, will be crucial in determining the next steps.
  • The protests and detentions of TMC MPs in Delhi highlight the national implications of this regional conflict.
  • The case is related to an alleged coal smuggling syndicate from 2020, indicating a long-standing investigation.

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