Investigation – ED Expands Bengal Probe With Fresh Raids and Arrest
Investigation – The Enforcement Directorate intensified its investigation in West Bengal on Friday by conducting coordinated searches across multiple locations linked to an alleged criminal and money laundering network. During the operation, the agency arrested Kolkata Police Deputy Commissioner Santanu Sinha Biswas as part of its ongoing probe connected to alleged criminal activities involving history-sheeter Biswajit Podder, also known as Sona Pappu.
The searches were carried out at nine premises situated in Kolkata and Murshidabad district. Officials familiar with the investigation said the raids began early in the morning and focused on individuals believed to have direct or indirect links to the suspected network under scrutiny.
Multiple Properties Brought Under Investigation
According to investigators, the operation included searches at properties connected to Md Ali, popularly known as Max Raju, along with Saurav Adhikari, identified as the nephew of former Kalighat police station officer-in-charge Santanu Sinha Biswas. The agency also examined premises associated with Biswas in Murshidabad district as part of the wider investigation into suspected financial irregularities and criminal proceeds.
One of the key locations searched belonged to Ruhil Amin Ali, a Kolkata Police sub-inspector who is suspected of maintaining close links with the accused officer. Officials indicated that evidence gathered during earlier questioning sessions played a significant role in expanding the scope of the investigation.
Interrogation Leads to Fresh Action
Sources connected to the case said the latest searches were initiated after investigators obtained important information during custodial interrogation of several accused individuals and persons associated with the matter. The Enforcement Directorate is currently attempting to trace the movement of funds and identify financial transactions allegedly linked to illegal operations.
The agency is examining possible connections involving extortion, disputed property dealings, and unauthorized construction activities allegedly conducted through companies and associates tied to Sona Pappu. Officials believe these activities may have generated substantial proceeds of crime that were later routed through different channels.
Earlier Arrests Intensified Probe
The latest action follows the arrest of Santanu Sinha Biswas on May 14 after he was questioned by the Enforcement Directorate in connection with allegations related to land grabbing and money laundering. A few days later, on May 18, the agency also arrested Biswajit Podder, widely known as Sona Pappu, whose name has surfaced repeatedly during the course of the investigation.
Earlier in April, the federal agency had taken Sun Enterprise Managing Director Jay S Kamdar into custody under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002. Officials alleged that Kamdar was linked to financial dealings connected to the broader network currently under examination.
Cash, Jewellery and Assets Previously Seized
Investigators had previously conducted search operations on April 1 in relation to the same case. During those raids, officials recovered cash amounting to Rs 1.47 crore along with gold and silver ornaments valued at more than Rs 67 lakh. Authorities also seized a Toyota Fortuner vehicle, an unlicensed revolver, several digital devices, and documents considered important to the investigation.
Apart from movable assets, officials also identified several land parcels and buildings suspected to have been acquired through illegal means. These properties are now being examined as part of the agency’s effort to establish the complete financial trail and determine the extent of alleged criminal proceeds.
Financial Trail Remains Under Scrutiny
The Enforcement Directorate stated that the investigation under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act is continuing and additional evidence is being analysed. Officials are focusing on uncovering how funds generated through alleged criminal activities were managed, transferred, and invested.
Authorities have not ruled out further action as investigators continue examining records, financial documents, and digital evidence collected during the raids. The case remains under active investigation, with more questioning and forensic analysis expected in the coming days.