Kolkata, April 1 (IANS) The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Wednesday conducted raids and search operations at several locations in Kolkata in an extortion-related money laundering case.
The operation was launched almost simultaneously at 7 a.m. The list includes the house of businessman Biswajit Poddar alias Sona Pappu in the Kasba area of South Kolkata. Apart from this, 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. There are various allegations against him, including extortion and threats. Out of these, 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 a little after 7 a.m. Central forces jawans were also with ED officers.
According to ED officials, Sona Pappu controls several syndicates in the Kasba and Ballygunge areas. The investigation began after receiving such allegations. From several sources, ED officials learned that he used to withdraw crores of rupees from various construction companies. Through him, that money would reach the ‘influential’ people. Wednesday’s raids were conducted to investigate the allegations.
Apart from Sona Pappu’s house, the ED has raided several other places in South Kolkata. ED officials are also raiding the office of a company called ‘Sun Enterprises’ in Ballygunge in a financial embezzlement case. 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 Trinamool president of south Kolkata and candidate for Rashbehari Assembly constituency. Incidentally, Debashis Kumar was also called by the ED for questioning on Monday. This raid at Sona Pappu’s house comes two days after that.
A few days ago, Sona Pappu’s name was involved in the clash between two groups at the Golpark area. But the police have not yet been able to arrest him.
Local residents have reportedly named Sona Pappu’s group for the clashes. A section of the locals alleged that they are the ones who caused the unrest in the area, though Sona Pappu claimed that he was not involved in any way in the clash between the groups.
–IANS
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