ED Raids Multiple Locations In West Bengal Including Former DCP Shantanu Sinha Residence

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Friday launched a series of coordinated raids at multiple locations across West Bengal. A primary focus of this operation was the residence of Shantanu Sinha Biswas, a former Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Police in Kolkata. The central agency's action is part of a broader probe into an alleged extortion syndicate involving Shantanu Sinha and an individual identified as Sona Pappu.

Investigation into Extortion and Financial Irregularities

Shantanu Sinha Biswas, who previously served as the Officer-in-Charge (IC) of the Kalighat Police Station and later as a Deputy Commissioner, is currently under the scrutiny of the Enforcement Directorate. He's reportedly in ED custody regarding matters related to land deals and various financial discrepancies. The agency is investigating the deep-rooted connections of the extortion racket that has surfaced, linking high-ranking officials with local operatives like Sona Pappu.

Raids at the Kandi Residence in Murshidabad

One of the most significant actions took place in Kandi, Murshidabad, where Shantanu Sinha Biswas owns a palatial ancestral home. This property is located in Ward Number 8 of the Kandi Municipality. According to local reports, the house had remained locked and vacant for the past 7 days prior to the ED's arrival. The central agency's team reached the spot on Friday morning to carry out a thorough search of the premises.

Upon finding the house locked, the ED officials, accompanied by a team of 8 to 10 officers, decided to break the lock to gain entry. The entire operation was conducted under heavy security provided by central force personnel, who cordoned off the surrounding area to prevent any interference. The sight of a large number of officials and security forces led to significant commotion and gathering of crowds in the locality since the early hours of the morning.

Involvement of Family Members and Local Inquiries

The investigation also touches upon the family connections of the former police officer. Shantanu Sinha Biswas's sister, Gauri Sinha Biswas, holds the position of Vice Chairman of the Kandi Municipality. Reports indicate that she was also not present at the ancestral home during the time of the raid. While the house was being searched from the inside, some ED officials were seen interacting with local residents outside the property to gather more information about the movements and activities associated with the residence. Due to the lockdown of the premises, officials initially conducted inquiries from the outside before gaining entry.

The Enforcement Directorate is meticulously examining documents and potential evidence found within the house to further establish the links in the extortion and land-related financial cases. The presence of central forces ensured that the search operation continued without any logistical hurdles, even as the local community watched the developments closely.