Political Controversy Erupts Over ED Raids on I-PAC Chief's Residence
Overview of the ED Raids
The recent raid by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) at the residence of I-PAC head Pratik Jain has escalated into a significant legal and political controversy. The Kolkata Police have intensified their investigation into allegations of 'forced entry' and 'document theft' against ED officials, as reported by a senior officer on Monday.
According to the officer, the police have decided to gather statements from Jain's neighbors to determine if they witnessed any part of the search or how the ED officials accessed the building on Loudon Street.
Key Points of the Police Investigation
A senior officer from the Kolkata Police indicated that the investigation is now focused on confirming the identities of the ED officials and the manner of their entry.
Identity Verification: The police are currently verifying the official identities of the ED officials who conducted the search at the Loudon Street premises.
Violation of Security Protocols: Investigators noted that no names of ED officials were recorded in the residential complex's security register, raising concerns that the central agency's personnel did not adhere to standard procedures.
Claims of Forced Entry: There are indications that ED officials allegedly pushed past security guards to enter the premises and forcibly seized their mobile phones.
Several residents have already been issued notices to appear for questioning. The police stated, 'We want to understand what the residents and neighbors observed that morning. Their testimonies are crucial for piecing together the events.'
Mamata Banerjee's Serious Allegations
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee arrived at the scene shortly after the raid on Thursday morning. She made serious allegations against the central government and the ED.
Banerjee claimed, 'Extremely sensitive electoral documents related to the party were stored at Pratik Jain's residence and the I-PAC office in Sector V. We suspect that these important documents were stolen under the pretext of the raid.'