Kolkata, April 1 – The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted raids and searches at several locations in Kolkata on Wednesday as part of an investigation into money laundering related to extortion.
The operation began almost simultaneously at 7 a.m. The list includes the house of businessman Biswajit Poddar, also known as "Sona Pappu," in the Kasba area of South Kolkata. In addition, they raided several places, including the office of a company in Ballygunge.
According to an ED official, several FIRs have already been filed in the name of Sona Pappu. He faces various allegations, including extortion and threats. ED officials have been conducting investigations for the past few days based on four to five FIRs. It is reported that ED officers reached Sona Pappu's house on Fern Road shortly after 7 a.m. Central forces personnel were also with the ED officers.
According to ED officials, Sona Pappu controls several syndicates in the Kasba and Ballygunge areas. The investigation began after receiving such allegations. ED officials learned from various sources that he used to withdraw crores of rupees from various construction companies. Through him, that money would reach "influential" people. The raids on Wednesday were conducted to investigate these allegations.
Apart from Sona Pappu's house, the ED has also raided several other locations in South Kolkata. ED officials are also investigating the office of a company called "Sun Enterprises" in Ballygunge in a case of financial embezzlement. However, it is not yet clear whether Sona Pappu has any connection with this company.
Many claim that Sona Pappu is close to Debashis Kumar, the president of the Trinamool Congress in South Kolkata and a candidate for the Rashbehari Assembly constituency. Incidentally, Debashis Kumar was also called by the ED for questioning on Monday. These raids at Sona Pappu's house come two days after that.
A few days ago, Sona Pappu's name was involved in a clash between two groups in the Golpark area. However, the police have not yet been able to arrest him.
Local residents have reportedly blamed Sona Pappu's group for the clashes. A section of the locals alleged that they are responsible for the unrest in the area, although Sona Pappu claimed that he was not involved in any way in the clash between the groups.