The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Wednesday launched simultaneous search operations across several locations in Kolkata, including the residence of a businessman in south Kolkata, in connection with an alleged financial irregularities case linked to illegal construction and land grabbing.
According to ED sources, the agency conducted an early morning raid at the Fern Road residence of Biswajit Poddar, also known as “Sona Pappu”, in the Kasba-Ballygunge area. The searches began around 7 am, with central armed forces personnel accompanying ED officials.
The action is part of an ongoing probe into alleged financial misconduct related to illegal construction syndicates operating in parts of south Kolkata. Officials indicated that multiple First Information Reports (FIRs) had already been registered against Poddar, involving allegations of extortion, intimidation, and coercion. Sources said that the ED had been examining at least four to five FIRs over the past few days, which led to Wednesday’s coordinated raids.
Investigators suspect that Poddar exercised control over several local syndicates in Kasba and Ballygunge, allegedly collecting large sums of money from construction firms. These funds, it is claimed, were routed to influential individuals.
Apart from Poddar’s residence, ED officials also carried out searches at five to six other premises, including the office of a firm identified as “Sun Enterprise” in Ballygunge. However, it remains unclear whether the firm has any direct links with Poddar. The renewed activity of the ED comes at a politically sensitive time, with the state gearing up for the Assembly elections. Political circles have also taken note of the development, particularly in light of claims that Poddar is close to Debasish Kumar, the Trinamul Congress leader and candidate from the Rashbehari Assembly constituency. Notably, Kumar had been summoned by the ED for questioning earlier this week. The proximity of these developments has added to the political undercurrent surrounding the probe.
Poddar’s name had also surfaced recently in connection with a clash between two groups near Rabindra Sarobar, though no arrest has been made so far. While local residents have alleged his associates’ involvement in the incident, Poddar has denied any role.
The Enforcement Directorate today recovered over Rs 1 crore and seized arms in a raid conducted over different locations. Today’s raids come just a day after Rash Behari Trinamul candidate Debasish Kumar was interrogated in an alleged swindling case.