TMC’s Derek O’Brien Demands Release of IPAC Director, Alleges Misuse of Agencies Ahead of Bengal Polls

Kolkata, April 2026 : Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Derek O’Brien on Tuesday called for the “immediate and unconditional release” of Vinesh Chandel, director of Indian PAC Consulting Private Limited (IPAC), who was recently arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with an alleged coal pilferage-linked money laundering case.

Addressing a press conference in Kolkata, O’Brien also demanded the withdrawal of central agencies from West Bengal ahead of the Assembly elections, alleging that their actions were being politically motivated. He argued that such interventions during the crucial pre-election period undermine the democratic process.

“We demand the immediate and unconditional release of Vinesh Chandel. We also demand that central agencies be withdrawn from Bengal before the elections,” O’Brien said, accusing the ED of being used as a “political weapon.” According to him, the timing of the arrest—just days before polling—amounted to what he described as “election sabotage.”

The ED had earlier announced that Vinesh Chandel was arrested under provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, following an investigation linked to an FIR filed by the Delhi Police. Chandel, who is also the founder and a key stakeholder in IPAC, was taken into custody on Monday as part of the ongoing probe.

O’Brien intensified his criticism by questioning the broader functioning of the ED under the PMLA framework. He alleged that the agency disproportionately targets opposition leaders, while those who join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) are spared scrutiny.

In a sharp remark, he claimed that several opposition leaders facing corruption allegations see their cases fade away after switching political allegiance. Using a metaphor, he described it as the “Nirma effect,” suggesting that individuals are “washed clean” after joining the ruling party at the Centre.

The TMC leader also took a swipe at the ED, mockingly referring to it as “Extremely Desperate,” and reiterated that its actions close to elections raise serious concerns about institutional neutrality.

The developments have further escalated the political confrontation between the ruling All India Trinamool Congress and the BJP in West Bengal. With the election campaign intensifying, allegations of misuse of investigative agencies have once again become a key flashpoint.

As the state heads toward polling, such exchanges are expected to sharpen, reflecting the high-stakes nature of the electoral battle.