ED Denies Political Targeting in IPAC Searches, Says Raids Linked to Coal Smuggling Case
8 Jan 2026 4:13 PM IST8 Jan 2026 4:13 PM IST
In a statement, the ED said searches were being conducted at 10 locations—six in West Bengal and four in Delhi—in connection with an illegal coal smuggling and money laundering case.
Enforcement Directorate
New Delhi/Kolkata: Responding to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s remarks on the Enforcement Directorate (ED) searches at the Indian Political Action Committee (IPAC) office in Kolkata, the agency on Wednesday said the action was evidence-based and not aimed at any political establishment.
In a statement, the ED said searches were being conducted at 10 locations—six in West Bengal and four in Delhi—in connection with an illegal coal smuggling and money laundering case. The agency clarified that no political party office had been searched and that the operation was not linked to any elections.
According to the ED, the searches cover premises connected to the generation of cash, hawala transfers and other financial irregularities linked to the case. The agency stressed that the action was part of a routine crackdown on money laundering and was carried out strictly in accordance with established legal safeguards.
The ED also alleged that certain individuals, including constitutional functionaries, had illegally intruded into two of the searched premises, misused their positions, and forcibly snatched documents during the operation.
( Source : Deccan Chronicle )
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