Sona Pappu Appears Before ED Days After DCP Santanu Sinha Biswas’ Arrest

Biswajit Poddar, alias Sona Pappu, appeared before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in Kolkata on Monday in connection with an ongoing money laundering probe linked to allegations of land grabbing, extortion and financial fraud.

Poddar, who had allegedly been evading investigators since the central agency launched its probe, reached the ED office amid heightened scrutiny following the recent arrest of Kolkata Police Deputy Commissioner Santanu Sinha Biswas. According to officials, the senior police officer was arrested last week over his alleged involvement in offences linked to Sona Pappu and the network under investigation.

The ED is probing allegations that Biswajit Poddar, widely known by his alias Sona Pappu, was involved in an organised syndicate accused of illegal land occupation, extortion and financial irregularities in Kolkata and adjoining areas. His appearance before the agency comes days after investigators intensified their probe by arresting Santanu Sinha Biswas, who is suspected of having links to the alleged network.

As he entered the ED office on Monday morning, Poddar denied any wrongdoing and claimed that no formal complaint had been lodged against him. “No complaint has been filed against me at any police station,” he told reporters outside the agency office. He also distanced himself from the arrested police officer, asserting that he had no connection with Santanu Sinha Biswas. “I do not know Santanu Sinha Biswas,” Poddar said.

The ED has been investigating allegations of financial misconduct, land grabbing and extortion linked to Sona Pappu for several months. Officials said the probe is continuing and further questioning is underway to ascertain the extent of the alleged network and its financial dealings.