ED Raids Kolkata Deputy Police Commissioner’s Residence in Money Laundering Probe

The Enforcement Directorate on Sunday conducted raids at the residence of a Kolkata Police Deputy Commissioner, Shantanu Sinha Biswas, in Ballygunge as part of a money laundering probe linked to an alleged criminal syndicate in poll-bound West Bengal.

Searches began early morning at his Fern Road residence, with central forces accompanying ED teams. Simultaneous raids were also conducted at premises linked to businessman Joy Kamdar in Behala.

Officials said the action is tied to a case against alleged criminal Biswajit Podder, who faces multiple charges including attempted murder, extortion and rioting. He is also wanted in connection with a violence case near Golpark and remains absconding despite being summoned.

This is the second round of searches in the case. In earlier raids on April 1, the ED had seized ₹1.47 crore in cash, along with gold and silver worth over ₹67 lakh and a country-made firearm.

Kamdar, whose name surfaced during those searches, had been summoned twice but did not appear for questioning, prompting fresh raids. Officials said teams had to wait outside his residence before entry was allowed.

The probe stems from an FIR registered by Kolkata Police and is being conducted under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. The development comes days ahead of Assembly elections in West Bengal, scheduled for April 23 and April 29, with counting on May 4.