Kolkata, 22 April (H.S.): Kolkata Police Deputy Commissioner Shantanu Sinha Biswas did not appear before the Enforcement Directorate on Wednesday despite being summoned in connection with an alleged money laundering case linked to illegal sand trafficking. However, his lawyer appeared before the agency and sought additional time on his behalf.

According to sources, Sinha Biswas had been asked to appear at the central government office complex in Salt Lake for questioning. He did not attend personally, and his legal representative informed officials that he was occupied with other engagements and requested a fresh date for appearance.

The Enforcement Directorate is investigating allegations of financial irregularities in a case related to illegal sand trafficking. Officials reportedly wanted to question Sinha Biswas in connection with the matter.

Apart from this, the senior police officer is also said to be under the scanner in another case linked to South Kolkata resident Biswajit Poddar, alias Sona Pappu.

Sona Pappu faces several allegations, including land grabbing, extortion, and offences under the Arms Act. In the same case, businessman Joy Kamdar of Behala has already been arrested by the central agency.

Notably, on Sunday, the Enforcement Directorate had conducted a search operation at the Fern Road residence of Sinha Biswas in connection with that investigation. The raid began in the morning and continued till late at night.

The following day, Monday, the agency had also summoned Sinha Biswas along with his two sons, Sayantan and Manish, for questioning in the Sona Pappu-related case. None of them were seen appearing before the agency on that occasion either.

With his absence now extending to the sand trafficking case as well, discussions around the matter have intensified. Sources indicated that the Enforcement Directorate may issue a fresh date for his appearance.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh