Shell firms in DA case: SIT probes Debraj Chakraborty's DC Global link
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing disproportionate assets (DA) charges against former Trinamool Congress (TMC) councillor Debraj Chakraborty is now examining the alleged use of shell companies to siphon proceeds of crime, investigators said on 4 July. The probe has zeroed in on a firm called DC Global, reportedly linked to Chakraborty, through which several crores of allegedly illicit funds were routed to relatives and close associates of both Chakraborty and his wife.
DC Global Under the Lens
According to sources within the state police, official records list Tarun Kumar Chakraborty, father of the arrested former councillor, as the registered owner of DC Global. However, investigators believe the ownership was a front. 'The father's name had been shown as the owner just as an eyewash and the day-to-day affairs of the entity were handled by Debraj himself through his close associates, who were his partners in crime,' a state police officer aware of the developments said.
The SIT is scrutinising both inward and outward remittances from DC Global's accounts. Notably, investigators have flagged a pattern of near-instant fund movements — money credited to the account on a given date and time was reportedly debited within an hour of the credit, a hallmark pattern in layering-stage money laundering.
The Aditi Munsi Connection
Chakraborty's wife, Aditi Munsi — a former TMC legislator and a well-known devotional singer — is also named in the case. According to investigators, proceeds of crime were collected through illegal avenues by both Chakraborty and Munsi. The SIT's probe into DC Global is examining fund flows that allegedly benefited relatives and close associates of the couple.
ED Now Running a Parallel Probe
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has recently filed an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) against Chakraborty and Munsi, launching a parallel investigation into the money laundering angle. The SIT is sharing intelligence gathered on DC Global and related transactions with the ED, sources said. This dual-agency scrutiny significantly raises the legal stakes for those under investigation.
30 Alleged Operatives Under Scanner
Beyond the shell company trail, the SIT has identified as many as 30 individuals who allegedly served as next-line operators for Chakraborty, primarily handling the collection of extortion money. Of these, four have already been interrogated, with the remaining set to be questioned in turns, according to police insiders. The widening net signals that investigators are building a detailed operational map of the alleged criminal network.
With the ED probe running alongside the SIT investigation and multiple suspects yet to be questioned, the case is expected to expand significantly in the weeks ahead.