ED Arrests Kolkata Businessman, Raids Police Deputy Commissioner In PMLA Case

ED arrests Kolkata businessman Kamdar in money laundering probe linked to alleged syndicate of absconding criminal Biswajit Podder, raids also target police officer Biswas

Those detained have been referred for an expedited trial. (Representative Image)

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Sunday arrested a Kolkata-based businessman following searches linked to a money laundering case involving an alleged criminal syndicate in the poll-bound state, officials said.

The action comes after raids were carried out against the businessman and Kolkata Police Deputy Commissioner Shantanu Sinha Biswas as part of the probe.

The accused, Kamdar, Managing Director of Sun Enterprise, was taken into custody after a brief round of questioning. He was picked up from his residence during the searches and later brought to the ED office, where he was formally arrested under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), officials said.

The day began with the ED searching the premises of Kamdar and Biswas, including the latter’s residence in the Ballygunge area of Kolkata.

Biswas, chief coordinator and nodal officer of the West Bengal and Kolkata Police welfare committee, was not present on his premises, they said.

The action is linked to a money laundering case against an alleged local criminal named Biswajit Podder alias Sona Pappu, who is booked in multiple cases on charges of attempted murder and extortion.

The federal probe agency had conducted the first round of searches in this case on April 1.

The ED had then seized cash of Rs 1.47 crore, apart from gold jewellery and silver valued at Rs 67.64 lakh and a country-made revolver from some premises that were searched.

The probe stems from a Kolkata Police FIR against Podder for his alleged involvement in rioting, attempt to murder, criminal conspiracy and Arms Act violations.

The accused, including Podder, were engaged in organised criminal syndicate activities in the state of West Bengal and generated funds illegally by way of syndicate operations, the ED alleged in a statement on April 9.

Podder is also wanted by the police in a case of violence at Kankulia Road near Golpark of Kolkata and is currently on the run.

The ED has issued summons to Podder but he has failed to join the investigation so far, according to the agency.

Assembly election campaigning is underway in West Bengal, which will have two-phase polling on April 23 and April 29. PTI NES RT

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