ED
ED summons I-PAC director Pratik Jain’s wife, brother in money laundering probe
New Delhi/IBNS: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has summoned the wife and brother of Pratik Jain, co-founder and director of political consultancy firm I-PAC, in connection with an ongoing money laundering investigation linked to alleged hawala transactions.
Officials confirmed that Pratik Jain's wife, Barbie Jain, and brother, Pulkit Jain, have been asked to appear before the agency’s headquarters for questioning.
Questioning under PMLA provisions
According to officials, the two individuals will be examined under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.
Investigators are scrutinising their business links as part of the broader inquiry, though specific details have not been disclosed.
Co-founder's arrest intensifies probe
The development follows the arrest of another I-PAC co-founder and director, Vinesh Chandel, by the Enforcement Directorate earlier.
The probe is also stated to be linked to an alleged coal scam case in West Bengal, where elections are approaching.
Earlier summons and legal challenge
Pratik Jain himself has also been summoned by the agency in relation to the same case involving suspected hawala dealings.
The investigation stems from a criminal case registered on March 28, based on a First Information Report filed by the Delhi Police.
Jain has approached the Delhi High Court, challenging the summons issued against him.
Previous searches in Kolkata
Earlier this year, the ED conducted searches at Jain’s residence as well as at the I-PAC office in Kolkata as part of the ongoing investigation, and a controversy had intensified after Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee personally visited the locations during raids and walked out with documents and electronic devices.
She alleged that Union Home Minister Amit Shah had directed agencies to target TMC’s election-related material ahead of the polls.
The ED moved the Supreme Court, alleging that Mamata Banerjee and state police obstructed its money laundering probe into the I-PAC firm, seeking a CBI probe and action against officials.
The matter is currently under consideration in the apex court.
I-PAC is currently associated with political consultancy work for the Trinamool Congress in West Bengal.
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