Desk Correspondent , Kolkata - Enforcement Directorate (ED) arrested Vinesh Chandel, co-founder and director of the political consultancy firm Indian Political Action Committee (I-PAC), on Monday night in New Delhi under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The arrest is linked to an alleged coal scam in West Bengal involving illegal pilferage from Eastern Coalfields Ltd mines in Kunustoria and Kajora areas near Asansol. A 2020 CBI FIR forms the basis of the probe, with ED alleging a hawala network that funneled tens of crores of rupees to I-PAC. Chandel was produced before a special court and remanded to 10-day ED custody for further questioning.

The timing of the arrest, just days before the West Bengal assembly polls scheduled in phases on April 23 and 29, has sparked intense political controversy. I-PAC, known for providing professional campaign services, has worked with the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC). Earlier, ED raids targeted I-PAC officials, including another director Pratik Jain in Kolkata in January, prompting intervention by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and a Supreme Court case. Recent searches also covered premises linked to I-PAC in multiple cities. TMC general secretary Abhishek Banerjee, himself facing scrutiny in the coal case, alleged the move undermines a "level playing field" in the elections. I-PAC has maintained it is cooperating fully with authorities while emphasizing its non-ideological, transparent operations.

The ongoing central agency investigates into alleged irregularities in West Bengal's coal sector and their intersection with political consultancy ahead of crucial polls. While the ED claims evidence-based action, opposition voices question the intent and timing, raising concerns over electoral fairness. The development adds to the charged atmosphere in the state, where I-PAC's role in TMC's campaign strategies has come under fresh scrutiny amid the money laundering allegations.