Derek O’Brien Urges Release Of IPAC Director, Criticises ED Action

Trinamool Congress  Rajya Sabha MP Derek O’Brien on Tuesday demanded the “immediate and unconditional release” of Vinesh Chandel, co-founder and director of the political consultancy firm Indian Political Action Committee , who was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate  in a money laundering case linked to the alleged West Bengal coal scam. O’Brien described the ED as a “political tool” being misused by the Centre to target opposition-linked entities ahead of the crucial 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections.

Chandel was arrested on April 13 in Delhi under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act . The ED’s action stems from an ongoing probe into alleged financial irregularities, including claims that proceeds from coal pilferage in areas like Asansol were routed to I-PAC. The arrest followed searches conducted earlier at I-PAC premises and residences of its officials in multiple cities, including Kolkata. A court reportedly sent Chandel to ED custody for 10 days.

O’Brien’s sharp remarks came as part of TMC’s broader criticism of central agencies. The party has alleged that the timing of the raids and arrest — just days before the state polls scheduled for late April — is politically motivated to disrupt TMC’s election strategy. I-PAC is known to provide political consultancy and campaign support to the ruling TMC in West Bengal, making the development particularly sensitive in the run-up to the elections.

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The TMC has consistently maintained that central investigating agencies like the ED and CBI are being weaponised against opposition parties and their associates. Senior TMC leaders, including Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, have previously protested similar actions, accusing the Centre of selective targeting while ignoring alleged irregularities in states ruled by the BJP. O’Brien echoed these sentiments, questioning the selective enforcement and demanding withdrawal of what the party calls “vendetta politics.”

The ED, on its part, has maintained that the case is evidence-based and part of a larger investigation into coal smuggling and money laundering in West Bengal. Officials have denied any political vendetta, stating that the probe follows due process under PMLA and is linked to a CBI FIR from 2020 concerning illegal coal activities in Eastern Coalfields Limited areas.

The arrest has intensified the already charged political atmosphere in West Bengal, with opposition parties and TMC exchanging accusations over the use of central agencies. As the state heads into the assembly polls in two phases on April 23 and 29, such developments are likely to dominate campaign narratives, with questions being raised about the independence of investigative bodies and the impact on level-playing field in elections. Further legal proceedings and political reactions are expected in the coming days.

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