TMC, I-PAC challenge legality of ED searches, agency moves court against 'obstruction'

KOLKATA: TMC and I-PAC moved Calcutta high court Thursday challenging the legality of ED searches at the political consultancy's chief Pratik Jain's residence and the group's office, setting up a face-off with the agency that also approached the same bench alleging obstruction.

According to details available on HC's website, TMC's petition names Union govt, ED and I-PAC as respondents. Sources said TMC has raised concerns over alleged access to party's confidential material linked to special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, including information on booth-level agents, and documents connected to preparations for the 2026 Bengal polls.




ED searched Jain's home on Loudon Street near central Kolkata's Park Street and I-PAC's office in Sector V, the city's IT hub in Salt Lake on the eastern fringe. The searches were linked to an alleged coal scam. Tension flared outside Jain's home when central forces accompanying ED allegedly asked personnel from Shakespeare Sarani police station - which covers the Park Street area - to remain outside the main gate. A verbal confrontation followed.

Shakespeare Sarani police is preparing to register a suo motu case against ED and CRPF, alleging obstruction of police work. Jain's family is also considering a separate complaint, alleging family members were forcibly detained and that ED entered private areas without notice.

Another suo motu case is being considered by Electronic Complex police station, which has jurisdiction over Sector V, alleging ED did not inform local police before the operation at I-PAC's office. ED has criticised Kolkata police for what it described as "overactivity".

The court battle unfolds against the backdrop of TMC's long-running and electorally successful association with I-PAC that began in 2019. Over the next six-and-a-half years, TMC recorded a 100% strike rate with I-PAC on board, sweeping the 2021 assembly elections, winning the 2023 panchayat polls and retaining dominance in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections in Bengal.

After the 2021 assembly polls, Kishor exited to pursue his own political plans, but I-PAC stayed on.
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