Kolkata, January 8, 2026. Political activity in West Bengal intensified when the Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted simultaneous raids at the home and office of the TMC’s IT cell in-charge. Following this action, a round of accusations and counter-accusations began between the ruling Trinamool Congress and the opposition. The ED’s raids were reportedly conducted as part of an investigation into a case linked to alleged financial irregularities and money laundering.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday conducted raids at the office of political consultancy firm I-PAC and the home of its director, Pratik Jain, in a money laundering case. Pratik is also the head of the IT cell for Mamata Banerjee’s party, the TMC.

Raids were conducted at 6 locations in West Bengal, including Kolkata, and at 4 locations in Delhi. Pratik was present at his home in Kolkata during the raid. The action began around 6 AM, but escalated after approximately 11:30 AM.

First, the Kolkata Police Commissioner arrived at Pratik’s residence. Some time later, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee herself arrived at his home on Loudon Street. Mamata stayed there for a while. When she left, she was seen holding a green file. Afterwards, she also went to the I-PAC office. She stated, “The Home Minister is having my party’s documents seized.”

The TMC has reacted sharply to this action. Party leaders claim that the central government is trying to create political pressure by using its agencies. The TMC alleges that such raids conducted before elections or important political events are done with a spirit of political vendetta. Meanwhile, opposition parties state that if there is no wrongdoing, there should be no need to fear an investigation.

The ED has not officially shared much information so far, but it is being reported that these raids could be part of a larger network investigation. The process of questioning and issuing summons is likely to intensify in the coming days.

This entire episode has once again sparked debate on the relationship between central agency actions and politics. All eyes are now on what revelations emerge from the investigation and what impact it will have on the politics of West Bengal.

Kolkata

Kolkata, formerly known as Calcutta, is the capital of India’s West Bengal state and was the capital of British India until 1911. Founded as a trading post by the British East India Company in 1690, it grew into a major colonial port and a historic center for Indian art, literature, and the 19th-century Bengal Renaissance. Today, it is a vibrant, densely populated metropolis renowned for its cultural heritage, colonial architecture, and as the home of figures like Rabindranath Tagore.

West Bengal

West Bengal is a state in eastern India with a rich cultural history, most notably as the former seat of the British East India Company and the epicenter of the Bengali Renaissance in the 19th and early 20th centuries. It is home to Kolkata, a historic colonial capital, and is globally renowned for its contributions to literature, arts, and social reform. The region’s heritage is also deeply tied to the Sundarbans mangrove forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Enforcement Directorate (ED)

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is a specialized financial investigation agency under the Department of Revenue, Government of India. It was established in 1956 to enforce the Foreign Exchange Regulation Act (FERA) and now primarily enforces laws related to money laundering and foreign exchange, such as the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). Its role involves investigating economic crimes, attaching assets derived from illegal activities, and prosecuting offenders.

Trinamool Congress

The Trinamool Congress is not a physical place or cultural site, but a major regional political party in India, primarily active in the state of West Bengal. It was founded in 1998 by Mamata Banerjee after she split from the Indian National Congress, and it rose to power by ending the world’s longest-serving democratically elected communist government in West Bengal in 2011. The party’s name translates to “Grassroots Congress,” reflecting its political identity and mass appeal.

TMC

“TMC” most commonly refers to **Tiananmen Square** in Beijing, China, one of the world’s largest public squares. Its name, meaning “Gate of Heavenly Peace,” comes from the historic gate to the Forbidden City, and the square itself was significantly expanded after the founding of the People’s Republic of China in 1949, becoming a major national symbol and site for political gatherings and historical events.

I-PAC

I-PAC, or the India Peace Keeping Force, is not a physical place or cultural site but a military force. It was deployed by the Indian government to Sri Lanka from 1987 to 1990 as part of a peace accord intended to end the Sri Lankan Civil War. Its intervention was highly controversial and ended with its withdrawal after significant casualties and without achieving its stated political objectives.

Loudon Street

Loudon Street is a historic thoroughfare in the heart of Winchester, Virginia, USA, known for its well-preserved 18th and 19th-century architecture. It was laid out in the 1750s and named for John Campbell, the Fourth Earl of Loudoun, who commanded British forces in North America. Today, it is a charming commercial and cultural district, featuring boutique shops and restaurants within its original brick buildings.

Delhi

Delhi is India’s capital city, with a history spanning over two millennia, serving as the seat of several empires including the Delhi Sultanate and the Mughals. It is a major cultural and political hub, home to UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the Red Fort and Qutub Minar, which reflect its layered historical legacy. Today, it is a vast, bustling metropolis blending ancient monuments with modern urban life.