Kolkata: The ED raided multiple locations in the city on Wednesday morning in connection with an investigation into a high-profile money laundering case involving alleged extortion and organised criminal activities.
The places where the search operations were conducted include the house of Biswajit Poddar alias Sona Pappu, who is allegedly involved in several extortion and other criminal cases.
Raids were also conducted in the office of a private company styled as Sun Group. Sources informed that during the raid at the Sun Group office, ED officials seized more than Rs 1 crore, while an improvised firearm was found at the residence of Sona Pappu. However, no statement from the ED was received till the reports came in last. It was learnt that a raid was also conducted at the residence of an associate of Sona Pappu.
Several cases are registered against Sona Pappu for alleged extortion and criminal intimidation to collect money. Also, he allegedly controlled the construction syndicates.
The money collected through extortion was allegedly delivered to influential people. A few days ago, ED summoned TMC candidate from the Rashbehari seat, Debasish Kumar, in connection with an alleged illegal land-grabbing and investment fraud case.
It may be mentioned that in an incident of a shootout in the Kankulia Road area of Ballygunge, Sona Pappu’s name had cropped up. Though several accused persons from two groups involved in a fight were arrested, Sona Pappu remains untraced to date.