The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has issued a lookout notice against Kolkata Police Deputy Commissioner (Special Branch) Shantanu Sinha Biswas in connection with an ongoing money laundering investigation linked to an alleged land grabbing and extortion syndicate. The action follows repeated non-compliance with agency summons and concerns that the officer may attempt to evade questioning.
Lookout Notice After Repeated Evasion
According to officials, the lookout notice was issued after Biswas failed to appear before the ED despite being summoned multiple times. Authorities stated he was served notices on five occasions but did not attend any of them.
The notice has been circulated across airports and other transit points to prevent him from leaving the country. Officials indicated that the move was necessary to ensure his availability for questioning in the ongoing probe.
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Probe Linked to ‘Sona Pappu’ Syndicate
The investigation is tied to an alleged criminal network involving Biswajit Poddar, also known as “Sona Pappu,” who is accused of land grabbing, extortion, and illegal construction activities.
According to ED findings, the syndicate allegedly operated under the guise of real estate development, forcibly acquiring disputed land and later selling it at inflated prices. Investigators are also examining claims that extorted funds were routed to influential individuals.
Financial Links and Raids
Biswas came under scrutiny after investigators reportedly found financial transactions linked to accounts associated with Sona Pappu during a separate probe.
The ED conducted searches on April 19 at Biswas’s residence in Ballygunge and other linked properties, including a building where he reportedly owns multiple flats. Raids were also carried out at premises connected to businessman Joy Kamdar, who was later arrested in the case.
Earlier operations in the case also involved searches at multiple locations, including offices of construction firms and residences of associates linked to the alleged network.
Wider Money Laundering and Property Fraud Investigation
The ED is investigating a broader housing scam involving allegations of illegal land acquisition, unauthorised construction, and extortion-driven financial gains. The probe aims to trace the money trail, identify shell entities involved, and determine the extent of official complicity.
Officials are also examining how the syndicate identified disputed properties and facilitated illegal transactions, as well as the role of individuals and entities connected to the network. The investigation remains ongoing, with further action likely as financial links are analysed.
