Election strategist firm faces scrutiny as court grants temporary relief during poll season
April 2, 2026: The Delhi High Court granted temporary relief to I-PAC promoters Prateek Jain and Rishi Raj Singh, a day before Enforcement Directorate action, after they raised concerns about being summoned during an ongoing election period. During the hearing, the Enforcement Directorate told the court it was willing to defer the summons until the conclusion of the assembly elections, easing immediate pressure on the petitioners.
Investigators have alleged that nearly ₹10 crore, suspected to be proceeds of crime, was routed to I-PAC through hawala channels. These funds are reportedly linked to payments for managing campaigns during the 2022 Goa Assembly elections. Authorities are now examining financial trails and digital evidence to determine whether the transactions are connected to a broader coal smuggling network.
I-PAC, which has worked closely with the All India Trinamool Congress, particularly in handling IT and media outreach, has found itself at the center of political controversy. Earlier raids at its Kolkata office had sparked a confrontation, with Mamata Banerjee and party leaders questioning the agency’s actions. The ED later alleged that key evidence was removed during the operation, intensifying the political and legal battle.