In a major development in the coal smuggling case, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has arrested Vinesh Chandel, a key stakeholder holding 33% shares in the poll-strategy firm I-PAC. Following a dramatic midnight hearing at Delhi’s Patiala House Court that lasted until dawn, the Additional Sessions Judge remanded Chandel to 10 days of ED custody. The arrest follows an FIR by Delhi Police regarding massive financial irregularities and money laundering.

The ED has leveled serious allegations, including the misappropriation of at least ₹50 crore and the use of international hawala channels to siphon off funds. Investigators claim that unauthorized loans were secured using fake invoices, and funds from third parties were routed into I-PAC through illegal means. This follows previous raids at I-PAC’s Kolkata office and the residence of its head, Pratik Jain. The arrest has triggered a political firestorm, with TMC calling it a tactical move before elections, while BJP leader Dilip Ghosh maintained that the law is simply taking its course.