Kolkata Police to Record Neighbour Statements in Probe Over ED Searches at I-PAC Chief’s Residence

Kolkata | January 13, 2026 The Kolkata Police have intensified their investigation into the Enforcement Directorate (ED) searches conducted at the residence of I-PAC chief Pratik Jain and the firm’s office, amid allegations of forced entry and theft of documents. The searches, carried out on January 8, 2026, at Jain’s Loudon Street residence, have drawn political attention, with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee alleging that sensitive election-related documents were taken illegally. A senior Kolkata Police officer stated that authorities are now recording statements from Mr. Jain’s neighbours to determine whether they witnessed any part of the searches or the manner in which ED officials entered the building. Notices have been issued to several residents, directing them to appear for questioning. “We want to know what the residents and neighbours saw that morning. Their statements are crucial to establishing the sequence of events,” the officer said. The police are also verifying the identities of the ED officials involved in the raids. Preliminary findings suggest that the officials may have bypassed standard security protocols, reportedly pushing past security guards and confiscating mobile phones during the operation. Investigators noted that the names of the ED personnel did not appear in the housing complex’s security register. Following the raids, CM Mamata Banerjee visited the site and claimed that important party and election documents, both physical and electronic, were seized unlawfully from Jain’s residence and I-PAC’s Sector V office. Complaints have been lodged at Shakespeare Sarani Police Station and Bidhannagar Electronic Complex Police Station, and Kolkata Police continue to gather evidence to clarify the circumstances surrounding the Kolkata Police Steps Up Probe into ED Raids at I-PAC Chief Pratik Jain’s Residence The Kolkata Police have intensified their investigation following the Enforcement Directorate (ED) raids at the residence of I-PAC chief Pratik Jain and the firm’s office. The searches on January 8 sparked controversy, with allegations of forced entry and seizure of sensitive election-related documents. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee claimed that crucial party and electoral files were taken illegally, raising political tensions. Police have decided to record statements from Jain’s neighbours to determine whether they witnessed any part of the raids or the way ED officials entered the building on Loudon Street. Notices have been issued to several residents, directing them to appear for questioning. “Their accounts are vital to establishing the sequence of events,” said a senior Kolkata Police officer. Investigators are also verifying the identities of the ED officials involved. Preliminary findings indicate possible bypassing of security protocols, including reports of mobile phones being forcibly taken from security personnel. The officer added that the names of the ED staff did not appear in the housing complex’s official register, raising questions about the legality of the operation. Following the raids, complaints were lodged at Shakespeare Sarani Police Station and Bidhannagar Electronic Complex Police Station. Kolkata Police continue to collect evidence and interview witnesses to clarify the circumstances of the raids, aiming to ensure a transparent investigation into the allegations.