Former Kolkata DCP Shantanu Sinha Biswas Arrested in Sona Pappu Case

Former Kolkata DCP Shantanu Sinha Biswas has been arrested following a lookout notice by the ED. He faces allegations of money laundering, land grabbing, and sand smuggling linked to the 'Sona Pappu' case. Biswas is reportedly a close aide of former CM Mamata Banerjee.

In a significant development within the administrative circles of West Bengal, the former Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) of Kolkata, Shantanu Sinha Biswas, has been officially arrested. This high-profile arrest comes shortly after a 'Lookout Notice' was issued against him by law enforcement agencies. Biswas is facing serious allegations of deviating from his professional duties as a police officer and instead acting as a political party worker, while Also, he's accused of being involved in multiple financial scams and irregularities that have surfaced during recent investigations.

Issuance of Lookout Notice and ED Investigation

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) had issued a lookout notice against Shantanu Sinha Biswas approximately one week ago. This action was taken as part of an ongoing investigation into a money laundering case linked to the notorious individual known as 'Sona Pappu', while the investigative agencies had expressed strong concerns that Biswas might attempt to flee the country to evade the legal process. Prior to the arrest, the ED had conducted extensive raids last month at the residence of Shantanu Sinha Biswas and several other locations associated with him to gather evidence regarding his financial dealings.

Allegations of Professional Misconduct and Political Ties

Shantanu Sinha Biswas is widely regarded as a close associate of the former Chief Minister of West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee, while his proximity to the political leadership was recently highlighted when he was spotted on stage during a protest organized by the Mamata government. The allegations against the former DCP are multifaceted, suggesting a deep-seated involvement in various illegal activities.

The Sona Pappu Case and the Golpark Gang War

The arrest of Shantanu Sinha Biswas is intricately linked to the activities of 'Sona Pappu'. The case gained prominence following a violent gang war that erupted in the Golpark area of Kolkata in February this year. The incident involved intense bombing, firing, and stone-pelting between two rival factions, causing widespread panic in the locality. To date, the police have arrested 10 individuals in connection with this violence. Investigations suggest that the conflict was a result of a struggle for dominance in the area, with Sona Pappu allegedly planning the attack to establish his supremacy over the region.

Criminal Background of Sona Pappu

Sona Pappu has a long-standing history in the world of crime, dating back to his entry into the construction business in 2010-11. Since then, he has been consistently involved in various criminal enterprises. In 2015, he attempted to take control of the Ballygunge rail yard, which led to a bitter rivalry with another criminal, Munna Pandey. The violence escalated in 2017 during a turf war over the Swinhoe Lane area, resulting in the murder of an individual named Palash Jana. Although Pappu was arrested by the police in Jalpaiguri for this murder, he was later released on bail by the court.

The arrest of former DCP Shantanu Sinha Biswas marks a critical turn in the investigation into the nexus between high-ranking officials and criminal elements, while the authorities are currently interrogating Biswas to uncover the full extent of the money laundering network and the potential involvement of other influential figures in these illegal operations. The case continues to unfold as more details regarding the financial transactions and the 'Sona Pappu' syndicate come to light.