New Delhi: The Indian Political Action Committee on Friday issued its first response following Enforcement Directorate searches at its office and the residence of its director in Kolkata, calling the action a cause for serious concern and an unsettling precedent for professional organisations. The statement came amid an escalating political confrontation between the Trinamool Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party over the timing and intent of the raids.
The searches were conducted as part of a money laundering investigation linked to an alleged coal mining scam. I-PAC said the developments marked a difficult day for the organisation but stressed that it remains committed to cooperating fully with the authorities. It asserted that it has consistently upheld high standards of professional integrity and would continue its work without disruption, while engaging with the legal process in accordance with the law.
Despite expressing concern over the implications of the action, I-PAC underlined that it would remain unfazed and continue to function with accountability and consistency. The organisation emphasised that it respects legal institutions and will provide all required assistance during the investigation.
The raids triggered an intense political backlash in West Bengal. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and the ruling Trinamool Congress alleged that the action was politically motivated and aimed at targeting the party ahead of elections. Banerjee personally visited the area during the searches and accused central agencies of attempting to seize internal party documents, electronic devices and sensitive material related to election strategy.
According to the Trinamool Congress, the searches were an attempt to intimidate and interfere with its organisational functioning. The party claimed that confidential political data was at risk and accused the central government of misusing investigative agencies for partisan purposes.
The Enforcement Directorate, on the other hand, alleged that its search operations were obstructed and moved the Calcutta High Court, claiming that key evidence and electronic devices were taken away during the process. The Trinamool Congress also approached the court against the agency. However, proceedings were adjourned after disruptions in the courtroom.
The controversy spilled onto the streets on Friday, with Mamata Banerjee leading a large protest march in Kolkata alongside prominent figures from the Bengali film industry. She reiterated that she had acted to protect her party’s data and denied any wrongdoing.
In New Delhi, several Trinamool Congress members of Parliament were detained while protesting outside the Union Home Minister’s office, further intensifying the standoff between the state leadership and the Centre.
