I-PAC’s Vinesh Chandel Sent to Custody in Money Laundering Case

Enforcement Directorate Actions

Vinesh Chandel, a director and co-founder of Indian Political Action Committee (I-PAC), was arrested in connection with a money laundering investigation related to alleged coal smuggling. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) claims that I-PAC was involved in laundering around Rs 50 crore in illicit proceeds.

Chandel, who owns a 33 percent stake in the consultancy firm, was apprehended under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) on April 13. Following his arrest, he appeared before Additional Sessions Judge Shefali Barnala Tandon at Patiala House Courts, where a hearing extended into the early hours of April 14. The court subsequently granted the ED a 10-day custody of Chandel for further questioning and investigation.

Investigation Details

The ED’s investigation arises from a First Information Report (FIR) filed by the Delhi Police. According to sources, the inquiry has revealed that I-PAC laundered substantial sums detected thus far, amounting to Rs 50 crore. The probe is said to have uncovered incriminating materials during searches, and testimonies from various individuals have implicated Chandel in the alleged offences.

Sources indicate that Chandel, as a director of I-PAC, may be liable for crimes committed with his consent or through neglect. The investigation involves statements from several individuals associated with transactions and financial activities within the firm.

Allegations Against I-PAC

The investigation has reportedly identified various layers of alleged money laundering practices by I-PAC, including the receipt of both accounted and unaccounted funds, issuance of unsecured loans without adequate business justification, and the generation of fraudulent bills and invoices. Additionally, the probe has linked the firm to financial movements through hawala networks, both domestically and internationally.

I-PAC, which was founded by political strategist Prashant Kishor, is currently managing the Trinamool Congress’s campaign for the upcoming 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections. The firm has been involved in political consulting and election strategy in various states across India.

Profile of Vinesh Chandel

Vinesh Chandel has been closely associated with I-PAC since its establishment. He is a graduate of the National Law Institute University (NLIU) in Bhopal and has experience in journalism and legal practice within the Supreme Court of India. Known for his close ties to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Chandel has actively collaborated with the Trinamool Congress in West Bengal and has also worked in Meghalaya.

Chandel’s extensive experience in both the political and legal arenas has contributed to his influential role within I-PAC and its operations. His arrest marks a significant development in the ongoing investigation into allegations of financial misconduct associated with the firm.