Kolkata, 13 May (H.S.): The Enforcement Directorate has written to the Security Directorate seeking details regarding Kolkata Police officer Shantanu Sinha Biswas, including his present posting and duty assignment.

According to sources, the central probe agency has sought clarification on where the officer is currently posted and whether he is available for questioning in connection with ongoing investigations.

An ED official said the agency expects the police officer to cooperate with the investigation and appear before officials for interrogation at the agency’s office. The ED had earlier summoned Shantanu Sinha Biswas several times for questioning, but he allegedly failed to appear on each occasion. Following repeated absences, the agency has now formally approached the Security Directorate.

Sources said that on April 28, a day before the second phase of polling in the state, the ED had summoned the officer to the CGO Complex in connection with a case linked to alleged criminal Sona Pappu. However, he did not appear before investigators that day either.

The ED suspects that Shantanu Sinha Biswas may attempt to leave the country. Acting on this concern, the agency has reportedly issued a lookout notice against him.

Sona Pappu, a resident of Ballygunge in south Kolkata, is accused of multiple offences including land grabbing, extortion and possession of illegal firearms. The ED initiated its investigation based on these allegations. In connection with the same case, businessman Joy Kamdar from Behala has already been arrested.

As part of the probe, ED officials had conducted a raid last month at the officer’s residence on Fern Road. The search operation began in the morning and continued till around 2 a.m. the following day. However, Shantanu Sinha Biswas was not seen publicly during the entire operation.

The day after the searches, the ED summoned Shantanu Sinha Biswas and his two sons Sayantan Biswas and Manish Biswas to appear at the CGO Complex in connection with the Sona Pappu case. None of them, however, appeared before the agency.

Apart from this case, the ED had also summoned the former officer-in-charge of Kalighat Police Station in April in connection with an alleged sand smuggling investigation. On that occasion, his lawyer appeared before ED officials on his behalf.

Sources said the officer had sought additional time from the agency, citing engagement in other official responsibilities.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh