NEW DELHI: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) carried out raids on properties associated with Biswajit Podder and others allegedly involved in criminal activities ahead of the Assembly elections in West Bengal, the agency said.
The federal investigative agency recovered arms and Rs 1.2 crore cash from Podder’s premises. Podder, also known as Sona Pappu, is a familiar name among gangsters in Kolkata.
Ever since he joined the construction business in 2010, Pappu enjoyed political patronage. He currently faces at least 15 criminal cases including attempted murder.
The agency said that Pappu is a criminal involved in multiple crimes under the IPC and Arms Act including murder, attempt to murder, extortion, running criminal syndicate activities.
ED officers reached Pappu’s house on Fern Road around 7 am, accompanied by Central forces personnel. The raids were carried out at location which includes residences and commercial properties owned by Papu and individuals such as Babu Sona, Sun Group, and Jay Kamdar.
The operations in Ballygunge and other areas come as West Bengal approaches its two-phase assembly elections. These actions are carried out under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and in an attempt to curb financial crimes with potential electoral implications.
The probing agency said that that they initiated the probe after taking cognisance of several FIRs and charge sheets filed by local police authorities. The agency is examining whether the accused laundered illicit earnings through businesses and front entities operating in and around the city.