I-PAC office bears deserted look as raids and arrests haunt firm days ahead of voting in West Bengal

New Delhi: The office of the political consultancy firm I-PAC, engaged by the Trinamool Congress in poll-bound West Bengal, wore a deserted look on Monday, three days ahead of the first phase of the crucial elections, even as pressure from investigative agencies continued to mount on them.

Visuals from the firm’s main office in Kolkata’s Salt Lake City showed an empty office floor and locks on the doors. There were reports of mass resignations, and several workers were asked to work from home.

The development corroborates DH’s report that the firm had sent out an email through the HR department to its employees asking them to take a 20-day break, and asking them to wait for further instructions after May 11, after the results will be announced.

The Enforcement Directorate also issued a summon to one of the firm’s three directors, Rishi Raj Singh, on Sunday asking him to appear in person, even as another director Vinesh Chandel was arrested by the ED.

Chief minister Mamata Banerjee had offered to provide jobs to I-PAC employees who are 'tortured' by the Centre.

In January, Chief Minister Banerjee had clashed with the BJP over an Enforcement Directorate raid at I-PAC chief Pratik Jain’s Kolkata residence. During the operation, Banerjee visited the house and later stepped out carrying a folder and a laptop, stating that they contained information related to her party. Pratik, along with Rishi and Vinesh, serves as a director in the consultancy.

Polling in West Bengal will be held on April 23 and 29 in two phases, and the results will be announced on May 4.