ED summons Kolkata DCP Shantanu Sinha Biswas again ahead of polls in Sona Pappu case

A day before the second phase of the West Bengal Assembly Election 2026, the Enforcement Directorate has issued a fresh summons to Kolkata Police Deputy Commissioner Shantanu Sinha Biswas in connection with a money laundering investigation linked to an alleged criminal syndicate. He has been asked to appear at the CGO Complex on Tuesday, intensifying developments just ahead of polling across 142 constituencies.

According to officials, the summons is part of an ongoing probe involving Biswajit Poddar, also known as Sona Pappu, who is accused of running a syndicate allegedly involved in land grabbing, extortion, and offences under the Arms Act. The central agency initiated the investigation following multiple complaints and is examining financial transactions connected to the alleged network.

As part of the same case, the agency had earlier conducted a search at Biswas’s residence on Fern Road this month, continuing operations late into the night. Following the raid, Biswas and his two sons—Sayantan and Manish—were summoned for questioning, but none appeared before officials. He has reportedly remained out of public view since the search operation.

The investigation has also seen the arrest of businessman Joy Kamdar, whose alleged links to the syndicate are under scrutiny. Separately, Biswas was recently summoned in a sand smuggling case being probed by the agency, where allegations of financial misappropriation are being examined. In that instance as well, he did not appear, with his legal representative seeking additional time citing prior commitments.

With polling imminent, the renewed summons has drawn attention to the broader probe involving multiple cases. Officials are expected to question Biswas regarding both the syndicate-linked financial trail and related allegations, as the agency continues to expand its investigation into suspected illegal activities connected to the case.