The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted raids at various sites associated with I-PAC, owned by Prashant Kishor, in connection with the Bengal coal smuggling case. The searches took place in Bengaluru, Delhi, and Hyderabad as part of a nationwide operation. Officials confirmed the search and seizure operations at I-PAC premises with the assistance of local authorities.
Earlier, ED officials had conducted raids at I-PAC offices in West Bengal, where Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was present during the search. The agency raised concerns over alleged obstruction of their work and sought a CBI probe due to perceived interference by the state government. However, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee refuted these claims, asserting that the central agency overstepped its jurisdiction.
In continuation of the investigation into the coal scam, the ED has initiated fresh raids to gather evidence related to potential money laundering activities. While awaiting further details from the ED’s official statement, it has been disclosed that searches were also conducted at the residence of an individual linked to I-PAC in Bengaluru.
Allegations suggest that approximately Rs 10 crore in illicit funds were funneled to I-PAC through hawala channels, with reported payments from the All India Trinamool Congress for services rendered during the 2022 Goa Assembly elections. The ongoing West Bengal coal smuggling case, which commenced in 2020, involves illegal coal excavation and theft amounting to hundreds of crores from Eastern Coalfields Limited (ECL) leasehold areas, implicating various individuals, including political figures and consultancies.
