Kolkata Businessman Arrested in Money Laundering Investigation Linked to Criminal Syndicate

In a significant development, the Enforcement Directorate has arrested a Kolkata businessman as part of a money laundering investigation connected to a criminal syndicate. The arrest follows searches at his residence and that of a Kolkata Police Deputy Commissioner. This action is linked to an alleged local criminal, Biswajit Podder, who is wanted for multiple serious offenses. As the assembly elections approach, the ED's investigation highlights the ongoing issues of organized crime in West Bengal. Stay tuned for more updates on this unfolding story.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 19, 2026, 19:23 IST

Enforcement Directorate Takes Action

Kolkata: On Sunday, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) apprehended a businessman from Kolkata following searches related to a money laundering investigation targeting a criminal syndicate linked to the upcoming elections in the state, according to officials.

The arrested individual, Kamdar, who serves as the Managing Director of Sun Enterprise, was taken into custody after a brief questioning session. He was detained at his home during the raids and subsequently brought to the ED office, where he was arrested under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

Officials indicated that he will be presented before a local court, where the ED will request his custody for further interrogation.

The day commenced with the ED conducting searches at the residences of both Kamdar and Kolkata Police Deputy Commissioner Shantanu Sinha Biswas, including Biswas's home located in the Ballygunge area.

Biswas, who is the chief coordinator and nodal officer for the West Bengal and Kolkata Police welfare committee, was reportedly absent during the searches.

This operation is part of a broader investigation into money laundering activities associated with a local criminal, Biswajit Podder, also known as Sona Pappu, who faces multiple charges including attempted murder and extortion.

The ED had previously initiated searches in this case on April 1, during which they seized cash amounting to Rs 1.47 crore, along with gold jewelry and silver worth Rs 67.64 lakh, and a homemade revolver from various locations.

The investigation originated from a Kolkata Police FIR against Podder for his alleged participation in rioting, attempted murder, criminal conspiracy, and violations of the Arms Act.

The ED claims that Podder and his associates were involved in organized crime in West Bengal, generating illegal funds through syndicate operations.

Podder is currently evading law enforcement in connection with a violent incident on Kankulia Road near Golpark in Kolkata.

Despite being summoned by the ED, Podder has yet to participate in the investigation.

As the assembly election campaigning progresses in West Bengal, polling is scheduled for April 23 and April 29.