Kolkata, Jan 12 (NationPress) - The Kolkata Police has initiated the process of enlisting the neighbours of Pratik Jain, the director of the Indian Political Action Committee (I-PAC), as witnesses in the ongoing investigation against the Enforcement Directorate (ED). This follows the ED's raid at Jain's residence on Loudon Street in central Kolkata on January 8.

According to sources, several neighbours have already been called in for questioning about their observations during the raid conducted by ED officials, who were accompanied by personnel from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).

On the day of the raid, the ED targeted Jain's residence in relation to a coal smuggling investigation, which also involved a search at I-PAC's office in Salt Lake.

Upon learning of the situation, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee arrived at the location. She alleged that essential party documents, including candidate lists and election strategies, were unlawfully taken by the ED during their operation.

In response, the Chief Minister filed complaints against the ED at both the Shakespeare Sarani Police Station and the Bidhannagar Electronic Complex Police Station, claiming theft of crucial election-related documents. Consequently, the police have initiated an investigation into these allegations.

The police have summoned residents from the apartment complex to gather information regarding the ED's actions on the day of the raid. Notices have been dispatched to both residents of Jain's building and his immediate neighbours, asking them to recount their experiences and observations from the time of the raid.

These summons are part of the inquiries linked to both the complaints made by the Chief Minister and an independent case initiated by the police.

Sources indicate that the ED did not find significant evidence at Jain's home or office but has gathered some evidence relating to interruptions in their investigation process. They possess two pieces of CCTV footage: one showing a scuffle between a police officer and a CRPF soldier, and another depicting an altercation at Jain's residence.

Meanwhile, the Kolkata Police have acquired all available CCTV footage and Digital Video Recorders (DVR) from Jain's residence. They have also recorded statements from Jain's domestic staff and security personnel, and seized the security register from the house.

Authorities are scrutinizing whether ED officials recorded their names in the register on the day of the raid. They might also interview Pratik Jain along with his family, depending on the findings.

The police have already summoned the facility manager of the building. Reports reveal that the ED officers entered Jain's residence around 6:20 a.m. and departed at 2:50 p.m., with police arriving on the scene around 11:15 a.m. to 11:20 a.m.

Investigators are analyzing the timeline of events before and after police intervention using footage from various sources, including CCTV and police body cameras. Many officers present at Jain's residence were equipped with body cameras, capturing multiple significant moments, all of which are currently under review.