Kolkata, 02 April (H.S.) : The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted searches at multiple locations in Kolkata ahead of the Assembly elections and recovered more than ₹1 crore in cash along with weapons, officials said on Thursday.

According to the agency, about ₹1.20 crore in cash was recovered from the residence of a company executive in the Behala area. Weapons were also seized during searches at the residence of businessman Biswajit Poddar in the Kasba locality.

Sources said ED teams carried out simultaneous raids from Wednesday morning at several premises linked to a person known as “Sona Pappu”, who is allegedly associated with syndicate activities in parts of south Kolkata, including Kasba and Ballygunge.

Investigators suspect that large sums of money were allegedly being collected from construction companies and routed through intermediaries. Based on this information, searches were conducted at multiple locations, including the residence linked to the accused.

Searches were also conducted at a contractor’s office in Ballygunge. Officials said the cash recovered from the Behala residence was linked to Joy Kamdar, who is believed to be associated with the company under scrutiny.

ED officials also confirmed the recovery of a firearm during the searches, though detailed information about the weapon has not yet been made public.

Sources further claimed that the accused has alleged links with a leader of the All India Trinamool Congress in south Kolkata, who was recently questioned by the ED. However, no official confirmation of any direct connection has been made so far.

Notably, the accused’s name had also surfaced in connection with a recent clash between two groups in the Golpark area, although he has denied any involvement in that incident.

Officials said several cases related to extortion and criminal intimidation have previously been registered against him, and the current probe is progressing on the basis of those cases. The ED team, accompanied by central forces, had reached a residence on Fern Road in the morning, and the search operation continued till late at night.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh