Pratik Jain’s I-PAC issues first statement since ED raids in West Bengal: ‘A difficult and unfortunate…’

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee rushed to the area where the emergency services were searching.

The Indian Political Action Committee (I-PAC), a high-profile political consultancy, issued its first statement since it was raided by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday. The consultancy, which is the main strategic partner of the Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress Party (TMC), termed the searches “unfortunate” and said the action raises serious concerns. There was high-voltage drama in West Bengal earlier this week when the central investigation agency conducted raids on I-PAC’s office and the house of its co-founder and director Pratik Jain.

What did I-PAC say?

I-PAC said in a statement: “This has been a difficult and unfortunate day for a professional organization like I-PAC. We believe this raises serious concerns and sets a troubling precedent.” The firm added: “We have extended our full cooperation and will continue to do so as necessary, conducting the process in full compliance with and respect for the law.” Founded more than a decade ago, I-PAC also said it was founded on the belief that public life would be strengthened if young professionals contributed to the democratic process in a nonpartisan way.

Mamata Banerjee vs ED

The ED on Thursday searched several places, including I-PAC’s office and Jain’s residence in Kolkata, as part of the investigation into allegations of money laundering linked to the coal smuggling case. The central agency said it was conducting the investigation under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). During the raid, Banerjee visited the search area and confronted emergency officials. He accused the agency of trying to steal sensitive data related to TMC’s poll strategy ahead of the 2026 West Bengal assembly elections. The ED then approached the Calcutta High Court alleging obstruction of the investigation.