Daijiworld Media Network – Kolkata
Kolkata, May 22: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Friday carried out searches at nine locations across West Bengal in connection with an ongoing money laundering investigation linked to history-sheeter Biswajit Podder alias ‘Sona Pappu’ and arrested Kolkata Police Deputy Commissioner Santanu Sinha Biswas, officials said.
The raids began early Friday morning across multiple locations in Kolkata and Murshidabad district as part of the agency’s widening probe into alleged financial and criminal activities associated with the network under investigation.
According to officials, the searches covered premises linked to several key individuals, including Md Ali alias Max Raju and Saurav Adhikari, the nephew of former Kalighat officer-in-charge Biswas. Properties connected to Biswas in Murshidabad district were also searched.
Among the locations raided was the residence of Kolkata Police Sub-Inspector Ruhil Amin Ali, who is suspected to be a close associate of Biswas.
Officials said the latest action followed crucial findings that emerged during custodial interrogation of the accused and other individuals connected to the case.
The ED is investigating alleged financial irregularities, land grabbing activities and money laundering linked to Biswajit Podder alias Sona Pappu and his associates.
The agency had arrested Biswas on May 14 after questioning him in connection with the case. Sona Pappu was subsequently arrested by the ED on May 18.
Earlier, on April 19, the ED had arrested Sun Enterprise Managing Director Jay S Kamdar under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002 in connection with the same investigation.
During earlier searches conducted on April 1, the agency seized cash amounting to ?1.47 crore, gold and silver ornaments valued at ?67.64 lakh, a Toyota Fortuner vehicle, an unlicensed revolver, several incriminating documents and digital devices.
Investigators also identified multiple immovable properties, including land and buildings, allegedly acquired through criminal activities.
According to the ED, the investigation has so far revealed that proceeds of crime were allegedly generated through extortion, illegal occupation of real estate properties and unauthorised construction activities carried out through entities controlled by Sona Pappu and his associates.