Political Consultancy Firm I-PAC Under Scrutiny: A Web of Alleged Coal Scam and Hawala Transactions

The Enforcement Directorate is investigating I-PAC and its executives, including Vijay Nair and Rishi Raj Singh, for alleged involvement in a coal pilferage scam in West Bengal. Raids were conducted in several cities under the PMLA. The case involves a multi-crore coal pilferage linked to Hawala transactions. Legal challenges and political tensions continue.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) launched extensive searches targeting influential figures linked to the political consultancy firm I-PAC on Thursday. Among the notable individuals under scrutiny are Vijay Nair, former AAP communication in-charge, and Rishi Raj Singh, I-PAC co-founder.

The raids occurred across multiple locations, including Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Delhi, all carried out under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). This investigation traces back to allegations of a multi-crore rupee coal pilferage scam associated with Eastern Coalfields Limited mines in West Bengal.

The ED has claimed that Hawala transactions facilitated the movement of funds to I-PAC, which has been deeply involved in West Bengal politics, providing consultation to the ruling Trinamool Congress and the state government. Legal and political ramifications continue as accusations fly and legal battles intensify.

(With inputs from agencies.)