The Enforcement Directorate (ED) executed searches on Sunday at the residence of Kolkata Police Deputy Commissioner, Shantanu Sinha Biswas, as well as a businessman in connection with an ongoing money laundering investigation linked to an alleged extortion syndicate. The ED officials arrived at Biswas’s residence in Ballygunge around 6 am to initiate their investigation, which included questioning and thorough searches of the property. Investigators focused on two locations associated with Biswas, including his flat on Fern Road.

Connection to Alleged Criminal Activities

In tandem with the operations at Biswas’s premises, the ED also conducted searches at a property associated with businessman Jay Kamdar, who is the Managing Director of Sun Enterprise, located in Behala. This action is reportedly connected to the alleged criminal activities of Biswajit Podder, known as “Sona Pappu,” who is suspected of being involved in various serious crimes, including attempted murder and extortion.

Authorities suspect that the funds generated through the syndicate’s illegal activities were channeled through various sources, with a portion allegedly finding its way to individuals linked to the case. While Kamdar was taken to the ED office for questioning, it was reported that Biswas was not present at one of the raided locations during the searches.

This investigation is not the first instance of scrutiny for Biswas, who has faced previous summons from the ED’s Delhi office regarding an illegal coal mining case, although he failed to appear. Moreover, Biswas is presently under investigation for multiple ongoing cases, including allegations of coal smuggling, connections to the Sona Pappu network, and irregularities in admissions under the NRI quota for private medical colleges such as KPC Medical College.

Legal Context of the Investigations

The recent investigations arise from a First Information Report (FIR) filed by the Kolkata Police against Podder, who is charged with rioting, attempted murder, criminal conspiracy, and violations of the Arms Act. According to the ED, Podder and his associates are believed to operate an organised criminal syndicate, generating proceeds through extortion and other unlawful activities.

Previously, the ED conducted an initial round of searches related to this case on April 1, during which they seized Rs 1.47 crore in cash, along with gold and silver valuables valued over Rs 67 lakh, as well as a country-made revolver. Podder is also wanted for his alleged involvement in a violent incident in the Golpark area of south Kolkata and remains absconding, despite receiving summons from the ED.

The current wave of raids occurs just days prior to the two-phase polling scheduled for West Bengal on April 23 and April 29, indicating the urgency and gravity of these legal proceedings. This investigation reflects a broader crackdown on illegal activities in the region and highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to address organised crime.

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