The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has intensified its investigation into an alleged multi-crore coal smuggling syndicate in West Bengal, claiming that ₹20 crore in illicit funds were transferred via hawala channels to the Indian Political Action Committee (I-PAC)'s Goa office. The agency, in a petition filed before the Calcutta High Court, alleged that these 'proceeds of crime' originated from the coal smuggling racket led by Anup Majee alias Lala and were used to fund I-PAC's operations during the 2021-22 Goa assembly elections. The ED traced the complex hawala trail, stating that the money changed hands multiple times, starting from a Delhi-based non-banking financial services firm, moving through various hawala operators in Kolkata, and finally reaching Goa to be delivered to individuals associated with event management companies working for I-PAC. Searches were conducted at approximately ten locations in Kolkata and Delhi, including the residence of I-PAC co-founder and director Pratik Jain. This development has led to significant political controversy. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee allegedly obstructed ED officials during raids at Jain's residence, prompting the ED to move the Calcutta High Court and subsequently the Supreme Court, alleging obstruction of their investigation and removal of key evidence. In a counter-move, the Kolkata Police initiated a probe to identify ED and CAPF staff following complaints of 'paper theft' during the raids, leading to further legal skirmishes. I-PAC, founded by election strategist Prashant Kishor, is currently managing election campaigns for the Trinamool Congress. The allegations are part of an ongoing investigation and are yet to be proven in court.