Kolkata, 19 May (H.S.): The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Monday night arrested notorious Kasba-based criminal Bishwajit Poddar alias “Sona Pappu” after prolonged questioning in connection with alleged financial fraud and extortion cases. He had remained in the headlines for several months over multiple controversies and criminal allegations, particularly ahead of the elections.
Sona Pappu appeared at the ED office in Salt Lake’s CGO Complex on Monday morning, where he was interrogated for nearly nine hours before being taken into custody.
Notably, Bishwajit Poddar’s name had also surfaced earlier this year in connection with violence and vandalism reported in the Rabindra Sarobar police station area in February. Local residents had alleged that he and his associates were behind the unrest in the locality. Although several individuals were arrested in that case, police had reportedly failed to reach Sona Pappu for a considerable period.
During that time, he repeatedly went live on social media, claiming that he had no involvement in any violent incident.
As part of the ongoing probe, the ED had earlier conducted raids at his residence. Searches were also carried out at the house of businessman Joy Kamdar during the same operation. The agency reportedly seized cash, a luxury vehicle, and documents related to multiple properties during the raids.
According to ED sources, a foreign-made pistol was also recovered from Sona Pappu’s residence. Investigators suspect that the weapon had been procured through businessman Joy Kamdar. The pistol was later deposited at Gariahat Police Station.
The ED has claimed that several FIRs have been registered against Sona Pappu on charges including extortion, criminal intimidation, unlawful coercion, and violations of the Arms Act. The agency subsequently launched a wider investigation based on those cases.
In connection with the same probe, businessman Joy Kamdar of Behala had already been arrested earlier. Last month, the ED also raided the residence of Kolkata Police Deputy Commissioner Shantanu Sinha Biswas at Fern Road. He was later summoned for questioning and subsequently arrested by the agency.
Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh
