Kolkata, 03 April (H.S.): Ahead of the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has once again summoned Trinamool Congress (TMC) candidate from the Rashbehari Assembly constituency and sitting MLA Debasish Kumar in connection with an alleged land grab case. He reached the ED office at the CGO Complex on Friday before around 11:30 am. He had earlier been summoned in the same case on Monday.

According to sources, Kumar was questioned for several hours during his previous appearance. The latest action by the central agency just before the elections has reportedly caused some unease within the ruling party. However, Kumar had earlier stated that the summons would have no impact on the elections and that he was fully confident about the matter.

ED activities related to the alleged land grab case have intensified in recent days. Earlier, raids were conducted on Saturday at multiple locations in Kolkata and its adjoining areas. Several offices of a private entity were also searched. Sources said around 16 to 17 FIRs have been registered in connection with the alleged land grab, forming the basis of the ongoing investigation.

Following the searches, Kumar was summoned for questioning on Monday. Speaking to reporters after his earlier appearance, he had said that he was called in connection with one case and had cooperated with the investigation. He had also stated that he would continue to cooperate if summoned again.

On Wednesday morning, the ED again carried out searches in Kolkata and its peripheral areas. During the operation, a raid was conducted at the residence of businessman Biswajit Poddar, also known as Sona Pappu, in the Kasba area of South Kolkata. His name had surfaced in connection with an incident in Ballygunge, although he has not been arrested so far.

Opposition parties have alleged that Sona Pappu is close to the TMC leadership in South Kolkata and to Rashbehari candidate Debasish Kumar. However, a section of the TMC has denied these allegations.

According to ED sources, around Rs 2 crore in cash and gold were recovered from Poddar’s residence. Several property documents, firearms and luxury vehicles were also seized. The agency is continuing its detailed investigation into the matter.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh