The Kolkata police have launched an investigation into the Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) search operations at the residence of I-PAC director Pratik Jain. The election management company I-PAC advises the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the West Bengal government.
According to police sources, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had filed a complaint at the Shakespeare Sarani police station in this matter, following which the police initiated action.
A day after the searches were conducted, on Friday, the police collected CCTV footage and the DVR from Jain’s Loudon Street residence. According to police sources, the process of recording statements of the security guards and the household help at Jain’s residence is also on.
A senior police officer stated that the police may also record statements of Jain’s family members. They may be questioned about the exact time the ED team arrived, the number of people in the team, and how the search was conducted.
On Thursday, the ED team arrived at Loudon Street around 6.30 am and began the search at Jain’s residence. Shortly after the search began, ED officials reported the matter at the Shakespeare Sarani police station, according to sources.
Around 9 am, a police sergeant initially went to the spot but was not allowed to enter the house. It is alleged that he was also pushed. Subsequently, Kolkata Deputy Commissioner of Police (South) Priyabrata Roy arrived at the spot and was also allegedly obstructed.
Later, Police Commissioner Manoj Verma arrived at the scene. Within minutes of his arrival, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee reached the house, and later walked out with documents, accusing the central agency of attempting to steal the party’s election strategy.
The police were also allegedly stopped from entering the I-PAC office while the search was on. Citing obstruction in performing duty, the police registered a suo motu complaint against the ED on Thursday itself.
Earlier, when ED officials were assaulted during a search at suspended TMC leader Shahjahan Sheikh’s house in Sandeshkhali, the police had summoned ED officials to the police station for questioning. Many believe that ED officials may be called in this case as well. However, in the Sandeshkhali incident, the ED had filed a separate police complaint, which has not happened in this case.