Kolkata, 11 August (H.S.) : The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has taken major action against former Trinamool Congress MLA Sabyasachi Dutta and his associates, freezing around 15 bank and demat accounts linked to them, the central agency said.

According to the ED, the accounts had a combined balance of around Rs 13.9 crore as of August 9.

The agency had conducted searches at 15 locations across Kolkata and Gurugram on July 31 as part of its investigation into an alleged extortion case involving Dutta and his associates. The searches were also carried out at the residences of Dutta and people allegedly close to him.

The ED said its searches resulted in the recovery of Rs 40.50 lakh in cash. Foreign currency, including US dollars worth 17,200, was also seized, according to the agency.

Investigators also recovered several documents and other materials, including notebooks, ledgers, papers and digital devices, the ED said.

According to preliminary findings of the investigation, money allegedly generated through extortion was routed through multiple shell companies before being invested in various movable and immovable assets, including land and residential properties. Investigators are examining the transactions to establish how the funds moved between different bank accounts and entities and where the money was ultimately invested.

The ED is also investigating the source of the large sums of money allegedly linked to Dutta and his associates. Officials are examining the financial trail and the role of different accounts and companies through which the funds were allegedly transferred.

The agency has, however, only made a preliminary assessment that the money was generated through alleged extortion. The allegations are subject to investigation and legal proceedings.

Dutta was arrested by police on June 8 in connection with an alleged extortion case. He was initially detained from his apartment in New Town and taken to the police station. Following prolonged questioning, investigators arrested him late at night.

Dutta had been fielded by the Trinamool Congress from the Barasat constituency in the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh