Kolkata, 19 April (H.S.) : With the West Bengal Assembly elections approaching, the activity of central investigative agencies has intensified in the metropolitan city of Kolkata. On Sunday morning, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted a raid at the Ballygunge residence of Deputy Commissioner of Police Shantanu Singh Biswas.

Officials reached the Fern Road residence early in the day and began a search operation inside the premises. According to sources, the action is linked to the high-profile “Sona Pappu” case in Ballygunge. Biswas had earlier served as the officer-in-charge of Kalighat Police Station. In connection with the same case, an Indian Police Service (IPS) officer had previously been summoned for questioning. The fresh search at a senior police officer’s residence has triggered significant buzz.

Police have so far failed to arrest Sona Pappu. However, he has reportedly appeared openly on social media and even conducted live broadcasts, raising questions over both police action and the role of investigative agencies.

In a parallel development, the ED also carried out a raid at the residence of businessman Jay Kamdar in Behala. Locals stated that he is primarily associated with construction and land development businesses. His premises had been searched earlier as well, during which a substantial amount of cash was reportedly recovered. His name had surfaced during the investigation into the Sona Pappu case.

Sources said Kamdar had been summoned twice for questioning but failed to appear on both occasions. Following this, the ED conducted another search at his residence on Sunday. It is reported that the central team had departed from the CGO Complex in the morning, accompanied by central forces.

In Behala, officials reportedly had to wait outside the house for some time, as the door was not opened despite repeated calls. After a delay, entry was granted, following which the officials began their search operation.

Notably, polling for the 294 assembly seats in West Bengal will be held in two phases on April 23 and April 29, with counting scheduled for May 4. The continuous action by central agencies ahead of the elections has further heated up the political atmosphere in the state.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey