I-PAC office raid: Centre seeks detailed report from ED

January 9, 2026

Kolkata: The Union Home Ministry has sought a detailed report from the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on the events surrounding the simultaneous raid and search operation conducted on January 8 at the Kolkata office of the India Political Action Committee (I-PAC) and the residence of its co-founder, Pratik Jain.

Mamata Banerjee arrives at the scene during the raid

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee arrived on Thursday as simultaneous raids were underway at the I-PAC office in Salt Lake (northern outskirts of Kolkata) and at Pratik Jain’s residence on Loudon Street in central Kolkata. She first visited Jain’s residence and then proceeded to the I-PAC office accompanied by senior administrative and police officials.

She reportedly left with some paper files and electronic documents. Following this, the Home Ministry, headed by Amit Shah, has sought a detailed report from the ED on this matter.

ED and CRPF to submit separate reports

The ED, an investigating agency under the Union Finance Ministry, has already submitted a report to its parent ministry on this matter. Sources familiar with the developments said the agency will now submit a separate report to the Home Ministry.

Similarly, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), whose personnel provided security to ED officials during the raids at both locations, has also submitted its report to the Home Ministry. The CRPF’s parent ministry is also the Union Home Ministry.

Information sought on ‘obstacles’ and the role of state officials

According to sources, the Home Ministry has directed the ED to detail its experiences regarding the alleged obstructions faced by the Chief Minister-led state administration during the raids and searches.

The ED has also been asked to provide details of the role of senior police and administrative officials who accompanied the Chief Minister during the raids at both locations.

A source said, “The report will be prepared by the ED’s regional office in Kolkata, first sent to the agency’s headquarters in New Delhi, and then forwarded to the Home Ministry.”

Hearing in Calcutta High Court on Friday

On Friday, a single bench of the Calcutta High Court, headed by Justice Subrata Ghosh, will hear three petitions simultaneously related to the ED’s Thursday action.

ED’s allegation: Chief Minister obstructed official work

The main petition is from the ED, which accuses West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of abusing her constitutional position and obstructing the official work of the central agency’s officials during the raids and searches at both locations.

Counter Petitions by Pratik Jain and the Trinamool Congress

Two counter-petitions have also been filed against this ED petition—one by Pratik Jain and the other by the Trinamool Congress.