Kolkata: Kolkata Police on Saturday initiated the process of identifying Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials allegedly involved in the removal of documents and electronic data from the residence of I-PAC chief Pratik Jain and the firm’s office, following the registration of multiple FIRs. A senior police officer said efforts are also underway to identify all central agency personnel present at both locations during the raids.
Officers from the Shakespeare Sarani Police Station visited Jain’s residence on Saturday morning and collected CCTV footage and DVR recordings as part of the investigation. Statements of household staff and security personnel were also recorded. Police said that once the identification process is completed, notices will be issued to those found involved.
The investigation follows two complaints filed on Friday by Trinamool Congress (TMC) chairperson Mamata Banerjee against unknown ED officials and CRPF personnel in connection with searches conducted at Jain’s Loudon Street residence and the I-PAC office in Salt Lake. Based on these complaints, FIRs were registered by the Kolkata Police and Bidhannagar Police, and probes were formally launched.
According to police, cases registered at the Shakespeare Sarani Police Station include charges under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita related to criminal intimidation, theft and criminal trespass, along with Section 66 of the Information Technology Act, which deals with computer-related offences such as unauthorised access and data damage. A suo motu case was also registered by the police late on Thursday night.
The officer said the ED conducted a search at Jain’s residence around 6.15 am on Thursday, but local police were informed nearly five hours later through an email. When senior police officials reached the spot to speak with ED personnel, they were allegedly obstructed by ED and CRPF staff, with allegations that batons were raised towards police officers.
The probe was initiated following allegations by the TMC chief that documents linked to the party’s election strategy were taken during the raids. Similar cases have also been registered at the Electronic Complex Police Station in Bidhannagar, covering alleged offences of theft, criminal trespass and violations under the IT Act.
Police sources said the complaints allege that unidentified ED and CRPF personnel entered Jain’s apartment and the I-PAC office without proper disclosure, removed documents and accessed electronic data. It is further alleged that officials did not show identity cards or promptly share court-issued search warrants, and that police officers seeking details were blocked from entering the premises.
Authorities said the investigation is ongoing and all aspects of the matter, including the conduct and role of central agency personnel, are being examined.
