ED Officers Honored for Role in Controversial I-PAC Raids in Kolkata
ED awards two officers part of I-PAC Kolkata raids
News 18
Image: News 18
Two Enforcement Directorate (ED) officers, Vikram Ahlawat and Prashant Chandila, were awarded for their exceptional work during the controversial January raids on the Indian Political Action Committee (I-PAC) in Kolkata. The raids, which involved West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, have sparked significant political tension.
- 01ED officers Vikram Ahlawat and Prashant Chandila awarded for their roles in I-PAC raids.
- 02The raids occurred on January 8, 2023, in Kolkata, drawing political controversy.
- 03West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee intervened during the raids, claiming abuse of power.
- 04The awards were presented at the 70th ED Day event by Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary.
- 05The ED seeks a CBI probe into the actions of the Chief Minister during the raids.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
On May 1, 2023, two officers from the Enforcement Directorate (ED), Vikram Ahlawat and Prashant Chandila, were recognized for their exceptional performance during the controversial raids on the Indian Political Action Committee (I-PAC) in Kolkata. The raids, conducted on January 8, involved searches at the I-PAC office in Salt Lake and the residence of director Pratik Jain on Loudon Street. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's dramatic arrival at the locations, accompanied by state police, led to accusations of 'gross abuse of power' by the ED, which subsequently sought a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the incident. During the 70th ED Day event, Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary presented commendation certificates to the officers. Ahlawat was praised for his composure and documentation during the sensitive operation, while Chandila was lauded for his professional courage and meticulous evidence preparation. The incident has heightened political tensions in West Bengal, with Banerjee's Trinamool Congress party alleging that the ED aimed to seize their election strategy documents.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
The recognition of these officers may bolster the ED's reputation amid ongoing political tensions in West Bengal, influencing public perception of law enforcement in politically sensitive cases.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
Reader Poll
Do you believe the ED's actions during the I-PAC raids were justified?
Connecting to poll...
More about Enforcement Directorate

Enforcement Directorate Returns ₹32,678 Crore to Fraud Victims in FY26
Mint • May 1, 2026

Enforcement Directorate Seeks Custody of Self-Styled Godman Ashok Kharat in Money Laundering Case
The Indian Express • May 1, 2026

भारत का 'ऑपरेशन ग्लोबल हंट': विदेशों में छुपे माफियाओं के खिलाफ बड़ा अभियान
Ndtv • May 1, 2026
Read the original article
Visit the source for the complete story.

