ED summons IPS officer, Kolkata businessman in ‘Sona Pappu’ case as probe widens

The Enforcement Directorate has summoned an IPS officer and a Kolkata-based businessman as part of its expanding investigation into the alleged financial network linked to absconding accused ‘Sona Pappu’, also known as Biswajit Poddar. The agency has called IPS officer Gaurav Lal and businessman Joy Kamdar to appear at the CGO Complex in connection with suspected financial transactions tied to the case.

Gaurav Lal, currently serving as Joint Commissioner (Headquarters) of Howrah City Police and formerly a Deputy Commissioner in Kolkata Police, has been asked to depose before the agency regarding possible financial links uncovered during the investigation. Joy Kamdar, considered a close associate of Poddar, has also been summoned after substantial cash recoveries during recent searches.

The ED’s action follows a series of coordinated raids conducted on April 1 across multiple locations in Kolkata. During these operations, officials recovered approximately ₹1.47 crore in cash from Poddar’s residence along with gold and silver jewellery worth around ₹67 lakh. A Toyota Fortuner vehicle and a firearm were also seized. In a parallel search at Kamdar’s residence, around ₹1.5 crore in cash was reportedly recovered, intensifying scrutiny over his role in the alleged network.

According to investigators, the probe was initiated based on multiple FIRs registered by state and Kolkata Police. Poddar is accused of operating a construction-related syndicate in areas such as Kasba and Ballygunge, allegedly collecting large sums from builders and routing funds to influential individuals. Despite repeated summons, he remains absconding, even as he continues to appear on social media. The latest summons indicate a widening probe into possible links between administrative officials and business entities, with further developments expected as the investigation progresses.