Enforcement Directorate teams searched properties in Kolkata’s Anandapur and Alipore areas on Sunday morning, widening a money-laundering probe linked to fugitive accused Biswajit Podder, better known as “Sona Pappu”, just three days before West Bengal votes in the second phase of Assembly polling.The searches covered the residences and offices of two businessmen whose financial links with Podder are being examined. Investigators suspect that money generated through alleged land-grabbing, illegal construction, extortion and property-related fraud may have been routed through business networks in south Kolkata. The operation began early in the day and continued for several hours, with officials reviewing property papers, bank documents, digital records and possible evidence of cash transactions.
Podder, a history-sheeter associated with Kolkata’s Kasba belt, has been named in multiple police cases over the years. The current Enforcement Directorate probe is being pursued under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act and is based on earlier cases registered by West Bengal Police and Kolkata Police. The allegations include rioting, attempt to murder, criminal conspiracy and violations of the Arms Act, alongside claims that criminal influence was used to take control of valuable land parcels and construction projects.
Sunday’s action follows an earlier round of searches on April 1 at eight premises across Kolkata. That operation led to the seizure of about ₹1.47 crore in cash, gold jewellery and silver valued at around ₹67.64 lakh, several digital devices, documents, a Fortuner vehicle allegedly used by Podder and a revolver recovered from his Fern Road residence. Investigators also identified immovable properties suspected to have been acquired through proceeds of crime.
The agency’s attention has also turned to Jay S. Kamdar, a businessman whose name has surfaced in connection with the alleged property network. Kamdar was earlier questioned and arrested in the case, with investigators examining whether his real-estate dealings were tied to Podder’s alleged syndicate. The probe has also drawn attention because summons were issued earlier this month to Howrah Joint Commissioner Gaurav Lal and Kamdar for questioning, widening the circle of scrutiny beyond alleged criminal associates into possible institutional links.
Officials are examining whether businessmen close to Podder acted as conduits for laundering money through property purchases, shell entities and investment channels. The pattern under investigation suggests that disputed land, unauthorised construction and informal financing may have formed part of a broader network in which intimidation and political access allegedly helped shield operations from scrutiny.
The timing has added a sharper political edge. West Bengal’s second and final phase of Assembly polling is scheduled for April 29, covering 142 constituencies after the first phase was held on April 23. The Election Commission has stepped up deployment across districts going to the polls, with Central Armed Police Forces and state police personnel assigned to sensitive areas, interior lanes and neighbourhoods where violence or voter intimidation is feared.
More than 500 people identified as history-sheeters or anti-social elements have been arrested in districts voting in the second phase, with Purba Bardhaman and Howrah among the areas seeing the highest preventive action. The Commission has also warned that any attempt to obstruct voters or disrupt polling will invite firm action. The security push has come amid clashes between workers of the Trinamool Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party in parts of the state, including Howrah, where police had to intervene to disperse rival groups.