ED Conducts Major Raids Ahead of West Bengal Assembly Elections
ED's Pre-Election Action in West Bengal
Just two days before the second phase of voting for the West Bengal Assembly elections, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) executed significant operations. The Kolkata zonal office of the ED conducted searches at 11 locations in Kolkata, Habra, and Bardhaman related to a PDS scam on April 25-26, under the provisions of the PMLA, 2002.
Seizures and Political Implications
During these searches, the ED confiscated ₹18.4 lakh in cash, numerous incriminating documents, and digital evidence. This operation has sent shockwaves through the political and administrative circles of the state. The seized cash, gold jewelry, and documents appear to implicate high-profile leaders and police officials.
Link to Two Distinct Scams
The investigation primarily revolves around two separate scams. The first involves money laundering, with a senior police officer and several others under suspicion. The second is connected to a ration scam. The evidence collected by the ED could potentially complicate matters for several influential individuals in the near future.
Details of the Raids
- On April 26, 2026, the ED's Kolkata zonal unit raided three locations as part of the money laundering investigation.
- This action is part of an ongoing inquiry against individuals including Sona Pappu, Jay S. Kamdar, and DCP Shantanu Sinha Biswas.
- Raids were also conducted at the premises of Kalyan Shukla and Sanjay Kumar Kanodia.
- During these operations, ₹10 lakh in cash, gold ornaments, digital devices, and several crucial documents were seized.
- The documents indicate substantial cash transactions between the suspects and politically connected individuals.
- Additionally, the seized documents reveal extensive cash dealings between the suspects and politically exposed persons (PEPs).
- DCP Shantanu Sinha Biswas has been summoned to participate in the investigation, but he has yet to appear before the ED.
DCP Under Scrutiny
It is noteworthy that DCP Shantanu Sinha's involvement in this case is viewed with suspicion. The ED had issued an official summons for him to participate in the inquiry, but he has not yet complied. Consequently, the agency may take stringent action against him.