Kolkata, 19 May (H.S.) : The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Tuesday made serious allegations against businessman Sona Pappu while producing him before a court in Kolkata. The central agency claimed that Sona Pappu used threats and intimidation to acquire land and properties at prices far below their market value.

According to the ED, Sona Pappu was not acting alone and was part of an organised three-member network allegedly involved in operating a land syndicate. The agency told the court that he worked for Behala-based businessman Joy Kamdar and Kolkata Police Deputy Commissioner Shantanu Sinha Biswas, playing a key role in handling syndicate-related operations.

The ED arrested Sona Pappu on Monday night after nearly nine hours of interrogation. He was produced before the court on Tuesday, where the agency sought 10 days of custody. Meanwhile, the accused also filed a bail application.

During the hearing, the ED’s counsel alleged that Sona Pappu was involved in extortion, criminal intimidation, illegal land grabbing and possession of illegal firearms. The agency identified him as the principal accused in multiple cases under investigation.

The ED further informed the court that a revolver was recovered during searches at Sona Pappu’s residence. The firearm was allegedly purchased in the name of a company linked to Joy Kamdar. Investigators claimed that incidents of violence later took place in the Kankulia area under Rabindra Sarobar Police Station after the revolver was acquired.

However, Sona Pappu’s lawyer denied all allegations and argued that the firearm had been purchased after following all legal procedures. The defence also claimed that his client was being falsely implicated in connection with the violence reported in Kankulia earlier this year.

Questioning the ED’s allegations, the defence counsel argued that if properties had truly been purchased through threats and coercion, the original owners would have filed complaints. In response, the ED told the court that the alleged syndicate mainly targeted elderly and vulnerable individuals who were too intimidated to approach the authorities.

The agency further claimed that the group purchased several properties at prices significantly below market value and used criminal muscle power in construction-related activities. The court was informed that one property worth approximately Rs 7.7 crore in the market had allegedly been acquired for just Rs 1 crore.

Defending his client, Sona Pappu’s lawyer said that running a business was not a crime and argued that investigators must establish whether any money earned through his businesses had links to corruption. The defence maintained that the ED was attempting to damage his public image despite having no evidence of illegal earnings.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh