TMC MPs Detained After Protesting Outside Home Ministry Over ED Raids on I-PAC

Members of the All India Trinamool Congress on Friday staged a protest outside the Home Ministry in New Delhi, alleging misuse of central investigative agencies following recent raids on political consultancy firm I-PAC. The demonstration was disrupted by Delhi Police, who detained several Members of Parliament citing security restrictions and prohibitory orders.

The protest took place a day after the Enforcement Directorate conducted searches at the office of I-PAC and the residence of its chief. TMC leaders claimed the action was politically motivated and aimed at targeting the party’s organisational and data infrastructure.

Among those detained were Derek O'Brien, Mahua Moitra, Satabdi Roy, Bapi Haldar, Saket Gokhale, Pratima Mondal, Kirti Azad and Sharmila Sarkar. The MPs were taken to Parliament Street Police Station after attempting to enter Kartavya Bhawan, which houses the Home Ministry.

Police officials said the protest was not permitted due to prohibitory orders in the area and security concerns. The MPs were stopped at the gate and later removed from the site when they continued their demonstration, officials added.

TMC leaders, however, alleged that the MPs were forcefully evicted while staging a peaceful protest. The party shared images of the detention on social media and accused the Union government of suppressing dissent.

In a statement, the TMC questioned the Centre’s handling of the situation, alleging that investigative agencies were being used to intimidate opposition parties. The party reiterated its claim that the raids were an attempt to gain access to sensitive internal documents and election-related data.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had earlier described the searches as an act of political vendetta, asserting that I-PAC was being targeted due to its association with the Trinamool Congress. The party has announced protests both in West Bengal and at the national level in response to the ED action.