Kolkata, April 9 (NationPress) The Enforcement Directorate at its Kolkata Zonal Office has recently executed search operations at eight locations throughout Kolkata in connection with a case involving Biswajit Podder, known as Sona Pappu, Jay S. Kamdar, and others, as stated by the central investigative agency on Thursday.

During these operations, a substantial amount of cash, approximately Rs 1.47 crore, along with gold jewellery and silver worth around Rs 67.64 lakh, was confiscated. In addition, several incriminating documents and digital devices were also taken into custody. A Fortuner vehicle, identified as belonging to Sona Pappu, was seized as part of the investigation.

Furthermore, a revolver marked with ‘Made in USA’ was discovered at the residence of Biswajit Podder on Fern Road in south Kolkata. This weapon was subsequently handed over to the West Bengal Police to support the Enforcement Directorate’s efforts in ensuring free and fair elections for the West Bengal Legislative Assembly, as reported by the agency.

The investigation into Sona Pappu and his associates was initiated following multiple First Information Reports filed by the West Bengal Police/Kolkata Police under various provisions of the Indian Penal Code, 1860, and the Arms Act, 1959, concerning their alleged involvement in serious offenses such as rioting, attempted murder, criminal conspiracy, and violations of the Arms Act.

These accused individuals, including Sona Pappu, are believed to be operating an organized criminal syndicate in West Bengal, generating significant illegal funds through syndicate operations.

Sona Pappu is also wanted by law enforcement in connection with a violent incident on Kankulia Road near Golpark in south Kolkata and is currently evading capture. The Enforcement Directorate has issued a summons for Sona Pappu, who has yet to respond to the investigation.

Through its inquiry under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, the Enforcement Directorate has uncovered that the proceeds of crime were derived from illegal activities, including extortion, land grabs, and unauthorized construction projects managed by Sona Pappu and his associates.

In a separate ongoing investigation, the Enforcement Directorate has provisionally attached movable assets totaling Rs 18.50 crore in the form of mutual funds and shares linked to Krishna Damani, his family, and controlled entities, as part of their probe into the alleged siphoning of over Rs 20 crore from the South Point Education Society.