The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Friday conducted raids at multiple locations across West Bengal as part of an ongoing money laundering investigation involving arrested Kolkata Police officer Shantanu Sinha Biswas and alleged criminal Biswajit Poddar, also known as Sona Pappu. Officials said the searches were carried out at nine premises located in Kolkata and Murshidabad district.
According to investigators, the raids targeted properties linked to several individuals believed to be associated with the accused. Among those whose premises were searched were Mohammad Ali alias Max Raju, Saurav Adhikari — identified as Biswas’ nephew — and Ruhil Amin Ali, a Kolkata Police sub-inspector described by officials as a close associate of Biswas. The ED also searched Biswas’ residence in Murshidabad as part of the operation.
The agency’s latest action follows a series of arrests made in the case over recent weeks. Biswajit Poddar was arrested by the ED on May 18 after prolonged questioning, while former Kolkata Police deputy commissioner Shantanu Sinha Biswas was taken into custody last week. Earlier in April, local businessman Joy S. Kamdar was also arrested in connection with the investigation. Officials have not yet disclosed the full details of the alleged money laundering network under scrutiny.
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The ED has previously described Poddar as a “history-sheeter” with a long criminal background. According to the agency, he and his associates were allegedly involved in multiple land-grabbing operations across West Bengal. Investigators believe proceeds generated from these alleged activities may have been routed through various channels, prompting the money laundering probe under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
Poddar first came into public attention in 2015 following a violent clash at the Ballygunge rail yard in Kolkata. Over the years, several criminal allegations have reportedly been linked to him, including a murder case registered in 2017. Investigators have also cited his alleged involvement in a 2021 attack on rival Munna Pandey outside Presidency Jail, a case that further intensified scrutiny of his activities and network.
The fresh raids indicate that the ED is expanding its investigation into the alleged nexus between criminal elements and individuals connected to law enforcement. Officials said documents, electronic devices and financial records are being examined as part of the searches. Further action in the case is expected based on the evidence collected during the ongoing operation.
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