ED raids Kolkata police DCP in money laundering case, sparks political row

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Sunday conducted searches at premises linked to a Kolkata Police Deputy Commissioner and a businessman in connection with a money laundering probe tied to an alleged criminal syndicate, sparking a political row in poll-bound West Bengal.

Officials said raids were carried out at two locations associated with DCP Shantanu Sinha Biswas , including his residence in Ballygunge , and at the premises of Joy Kamdar , Managing Director of Sun Enterprise. The action was taken under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

The probe centres on alleged criminal Biswajit Podder alias Sona Pappu , who faces charges of attempted murder, extortion, rioting, and criminal conspiracy . The ED said Podder and his associates operated an organised criminal syndicate , generating illegal funds through extortion and other activities.

During earlier searches on April 1, the agency seized Rs 1.47 crore in cash , along with gold and silver worth Rs 67.64 lakh , and recovered a country-made revolver . Podder remains absconding and is wanted in a separate violence case near Kankulia Road in Golpark . Despite summons, he has not joined the investigation.

The raids have taken on political significance amid the ongoing election climate. Opposition parties alleged links between law enforcement and criminal networks , questioning governance in the state. Meanwhile, the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) accused central agencies of political targeting , claiming such actions are timed to influence the electoral narrative.

Officials said the investigation is ongoing, with efforts focused on tracing proceeds of crime and identifying wider links within the syndicate.