Kolkata: In a major high-profile development, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has arrested senior Kolkata Police officer and Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Shantanu Senha Biswas in connection with an alleged hawala and financial irregularities case. The arrest came after nearly ten-and-a-half hours of intense questioning by the central agency. He is expected to be produced before a court on Friday. The development has triggered strong reactions across political and administrative circles in West Bengal.
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Hawala and extortion links under investigation
According to sources, the case is linked to an alleged network involving illegal money transfers, extortion and suspicious financial transactions. Investigators suspect that the network had connections with alleged criminal operator Sona Pappu and businessman Jay Kamdar. The ED is examining whether the network was used to channel illicit funds and facilitate financial dealings benefiting influential individuals.
Sources said the agency had issued multiple summons to Shantanu Senha Biswas over the past few months, asking him to appear for questioning. However, investigators claim he repeatedly avoided appearance before the agency. Following this, a lookout notice was reportedly issued to prevent him from leaving the country. On Thursday, he finally appeared before ED officials and was subjected to prolonged interrogation.
ED cites non-cooperation after prolonged questioning
Officials familiar with the matter said investigators questioned him about alleged hawala transactions, suspicious banking activities, business links and financial records recovered during the probe. However, the agency was reportedly dissatisfied with several of his responses. The ED has alleged that he failed to cooperate fully with the investigation and did not provide clear explanations regarding certain crucial financial aspects. The agency subsequently decided to place him under arrest late at night.
According to sources connected with the investigation, digital records, financial data and documents allegedly recovered from businessman Jay Kamdar contained references and transactional indicators linked to Shantanu Senha Biswas. Investigators are now analysing those records to uncover the broader financial network and identify additional individuals who may have been involved. More questioning and further summons are expected in the coming days.
The ED is also probing whether the alleged network was involved in illegal extortion and money laundering activities. Investigators are examining bank transactions, digital chats, mobile data and electronic evidence collected during raids and searches conducted over the past several weeks. Sources claim certain financial transfers under scrutiny have raised serious questions regarding their legitimacy and source of funds.
Custodial remand likely as probe widens
Last month, the ED had also conducted searches at the residence of Shantanu Senha Biswas. During those raids, officials reportedly seized important documents and electronic devices believed to be linked to the investigation. Since then, the agency has intensified its probe into his alleged role in the financial network. Following the arrest, the ED is expected to seek his custodial remand for detailed interrogation regarding the money trail and other individuals connected to the case.
The arrest has also sparked political discussion in the state. Shantanu Senha Biswas has often been perceived as being close to leaders within the ruling Trinamool Congress. However, the party has not yet issued any official statement regarding the arrest. Opposition parties, meanwhile, have intensified their criticism of the state administration and demanded greater transparency in the investigation.
