Kolkata, 03 April (H.S.): The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has once again summoned Trinamool Congress (TMC) MLA and candidate Debasish Kumar in connection with an alleged land grab case. He appeared before the agency at the CGO Complex in Kolkata on Friday before the scheduled time.
Kumar had earlier appeared before the ED on Monday, when he was questioned for several hours. The fresh summons ahead of the elections has triggered discomfort within the ruling party, although Kumar maintained that it would have no impact on the polls.
According to sources, the ED has intensified its probe into the alleged land grab case in recent days. Raids were conducted on Saturday at multiple locations in Kolkata and its adjoining areas, including offices of a company linked to the case. Around 16–17 FIRs have reportedly been registered, forming the basis of the investigation.
After his appearance earlier this week, Kumar had said he would cooperate with the agency whenever summoned. Speaking briefly to reporters on Friday, he said he would know the reason for the fresh summons only after meeting officials and added that no specific documents had been sought from him.
Following Monday’s questioning, the ED carried out fresh searches on Wednesday at several locations in Kolkata and nearby areas. Raids were also conducted at the residence of businessman Bishwajit Poddar, alias ‘Sona Pappu’, in the Kasba area of south Kolkata. His name has surfaced in connection with an incident in Ballygunge, though no arrest has been made so far.
Opposition parties have alleged that ‘Sona Pappu’ is close to TMC leaders in south Kolkata, including Kumar. However, a section of the TMC has denied these claims. During the searches, officials reportedly recovered cash and gold worth around Rs 2 crore, along with property documents, firearms and luxury vehicles.
The TMC has fielded Kumar again from the Rashbehari constituency, where polling is scheduled in the second phase on April 29. The BJP has nominated Swapan Dasgupta against him. Counting of votes for all 294 assembly constituencies in the state will take place on May 4.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey
