The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has once again summoned Kolkata Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Shantanu Sinha Biswas for questioning in the Sona Papu-linked syndicate money laundering case, a day before the second and final phase of West Bengal elections on 29 April. The DCP has been directed to appear at the CGO Complex in Kolkata on Tuesday.

Background of the Sona Papu Syndicate Case

The ED is investigating a money laundering case against an alleged criminal-linked syndicate operated by Sona Pappu, alias Biswajit Poddar, a resident of Ballygunge in South Kolkata. Poddar faces multiple charges, including land grabbing, extortion, and a case under the Arms Act. The central investigation agency launched its probe following a series of such allegations linked to the syndicate.

In a significant development, the ED has already arrested businessman Joy Kamdar in connection with the case. Information gathered during that investigation reportedly led authorities to conduct a raid on DCP Shantanu Biswas's residence on Fern Road earlier this month.

DCP's Repeated Non-Appearance Before ED

Since the search operation at his home, DCP Shantanu Biswas has not been seen in public. The day after the raid, the ED summoned Biswas along with his two sons, Sayantan and Manish, to the CGO Complex — but none of them appeared before the agency on that occasion.

Last week, Biswas — who also served as a former Officer-in-Charge of Kalighat police station in Bhabanipur — was separately summoned in connection with a sand smuggling case involving allegations of financial misappropriation. He did not appear before ED officers on that occasion either; instead, his lawyer attended in his place. According to sources, Biswas sought additional time from the agency, citing a busy schedule.

Sand Smuggling Case Also in the Frame

The ED is conducting a parallel investigation into alleged financial misappropriation linked to sand smuggling. Officials of the central investigation agency are reportedly keen to question DCP Shantanu Biswas in this case as well, making his appearance before the agency doubly significant.

The back-to-back summons — across two separate cases — signal that the ED is tightening its probe around the officer even as the state heads into a critical electoral phase.

Election Context and What Comes Next

The second and final phase of West Bengal polling, covering the remaining 142 constituencies, is scheduled for 29 April. The counting of votes will be held on 4 May. The timing of the summons — issued just a day before voting — has added a political dimension to the already high-profile investigation, though the ED has not publicly commented on the timing.

With the DCP's repeated non-compliance and two active investigations converging, the ED's next steps — including whether it seeks legal intervention to compel his appearance — will be closely watched.