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Kolkata: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has provisionally attached immovable properties worth Rs 2.78 crore belonging to former Kolkata Police Deputy Commissioner Shantanu Sinha Biswas in connection with an alleged land-grabbing, extortion, and money laundering case. The action, carried out on Thursday, November 12, covers three flats in Kolkata and a plot of land located in Kandi in Murshidabad district. According to the agency, these assets are registered in the names of the former police officer, his family members, and associates, and are suspected to be proceeds of crime.
The ongoing investigation focuses on an alleged land-grabbing and extortion network linked to businessman Biswajit Poddar, alias Sona Pappu, Jay S. Kamdar, and their associates. The ED alleges that the syndicate amassed crores of rupees by encroaching on land across various parts of Kolkata, extorting property owners, and carrying out unauthorized constructions. Investigators also suspect that the network operated with the backing of certain elements within the police administration.
Allegations of Misuse of Police Office
According to the ED probe, Biswas allegedly extended illegal assistance to the business group during his tenure in the police force and received financial benefits running into several crores of rupees from private companies and businessmen in return. Investigators stated that Biswas grew close to Jay S. Kamdar while serving as the officer-in-charge of the Kalighat police station. Kamdar allegedly used this proximity to expand his influence within the police department and facilitate unlawful activities.
The agency claims that Biswas directly and indirectly acquired, concealed, and possessed proceeds of crime amounting to at least Rs 2.89 crore. The investigation further revealed allegations that vulnerable and helpless landowners were intimidated into surrendering their properties to the syndicate. The ED estimates that the alleged network generated approximately Rs 50 crore in proceeds of crime.
Former DCP Arrested in May
The ED arrested Shantanu Sinha Biswas in May 2026 following questioning in the money laundering case, and he remains in judicial custody. In July 2026, the agency filed a chargesheet in the matter, claiming to have uncovered evidence regarding the alleged misappropriation of nearly Rs 3 crore and the specific role played by the former officer.
Separately, the Kolkata Police has also registered a suo motu case against the former Deputy Commissioner under the Prevention of Corruption Act. Officials view the latest property attachment as a significant step in probing the alleged nexus between the land-grabbing syndicate, police personnel, and businessmen.
Past Roles and Political Links Under Scrutiny
During the Trinamool Congress government’s tenure in West Bengal, Biswas held several key postings within the Kolkata Police. Notably, he served as the officer-in-charge of the Kalighat police station, whose jurisdiction includes the residence of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Reports indicate that he also handled responsibilities linked to the Chief Minister’s security until May 4, 2026.
The investigation has also brought political connections under scrutiny. In April 2026, the ED summoned Trinamool Congress MLA Debashis Kumar, who represents the Rashbehari assembly constituency, for questioning in the same land-grabbing probe. The agency was examining alleged illegal constructions and property transactions involving businessmen and individuals linked to the municipal body. The Income Tax Department had also conducted searches at premises associated with the legislator, including his residence and office.
While the allegations raised in these cases await judicial confirmation, the ED’s investigation remains focused on tracing the money trail from the alleged land-grabbing and extortion, identifying the benami owners of the acquired assets, and establishing how official police positions were misused to aid the syndicate.
