The family of Pratik Jain, director of the political consultancy firm Indian Political Action Committee (I-PAC), has lodged a formal police complaint against the Enforcement Directorate (ED), accusing its officers of stealing important documents during a prolonged search operation at Jain's residence on January 8, 2026. The complaint was filed shortly after the nine-hour raid, which began around 7:30 AM and concluded late in the evening, according to unnamed police officers quoted by the Pressthe Press Trust of India.

Jain's wife approached the local police station after ED officials left the premises, alleging that sensitive personal and professional documents, including hard disks, laptops, and internal files, were taken away without proper documentation or receipts. The family has described the action as theft and demanded an immediate investigation into the alleged misconduct during the search.

The ED raids targeted multiple locations linked to I-PAC, including its Kolkata office and Jain's Loudon Street residence, as part of an ongoing money laundering probe under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The investigation stems from an alleged illegal coal mining and smuggling case involving hawala transactions and the alleged diversion of illicit funds. ED has maintained that the searches were conducted lawfully and in accordance with procedure.

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The development escalated dramatically when West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee arrived at Jain's residence during the raid, accompanied by senior Kolkata Police officials. She accused the central agency of attempting to seize Trinamool Congress (TMC) internal documents, election strategies, and sensitive data. Banerjee was seen leaving the premises with a green file and other materials, later publicly stating that the operation was aimed at accessing party secrets.

ED officials have strongly refuted the allegations of theft or tampering, calling the Chief Minister's intervention an attempt to obstruct a legitimate investigation. The agency has approached the Calcutta High Court, seeking directions to prevent interference in the PMLA probe, which it insists is evidence-based and unrelated to political activities.

The complaint by Jain's family and the Chief Minister's involvement have intensified the political storm surrounding the raids. With West Bengal heading toward assembly elections in 2026, the episode has deepened the ongoing Centre-state tussle, with TMC alleging vendetta politics while the ED emphasizes its focus on tracing proceeds of crime from the coal smuggling racket. The matter is expected to see further legal and political developments in the coming days.

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