ED searches premises linked to Kolkata Police deputy commissioner, Sun Enterprise MD Joy Kamdar in PMLA probe

KOLKATA: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Sunday carried out raids at premises linked to Kolkata Police deputy commissioner Shantanu Sinha Biswas and another individual as part of a money laundering probe into an alleged criminal and his associated syndicate in the poll-bound state, officials said.Two premises linked to Biswas, including his residence in the Ballygunge area, and one location connected to Joy Kamdar, Managing Director of Sun Enterprise, were searched under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).The action is linked to a money laundering case involving an alleged local criminal, Biswajit Podder alias Sona Pappu, who is booked in multiple cases, including attempted murder and extortion. The federal probe agency had conducted its first round of searches in the case on April 1. During those raids, it seized cash worth Rs 1.47 crore, along with gold jewellery and silver valued at Rs 67.64 lakh, and a country-made revolver from the premises searched.The investigation stems from a Kolkata Police FIR against Podder for his alleged involvement in rioting, attempt to murder, criminal conspiracy, and violations under the Arms Act.In a statement issued on April 9, the ED said the accused, including Podder, were part of an organised criminal syndicate operating in West Bengal and had generated illegal funds through such activities.Podder is also wanted in connection with a violence case on Kankulia Road near Golpark in Kolkata and is currently absconding. The ED has issued summons to him, but he has not joined the investigation so far, the agency said.(With agency inputs)