ED Seizes Rs 1.2 Crore Cash and Pistol in Kolkata Raids Against Alleged Criminal

PTI, Apr 01, 2026, Kolkata/New Delhi : The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Wednesday seized around Rs 1.2 crore in cash and a country-made pistol during raids in Kolkata as part of a money laundering investigation targeting alleged criminal Biswajit Poddar alias Sona Pappu and his syndicate, official sources said.

Poddar is reportedly booked in multiple cases of attempted murder and extortion and is considered a “history-sheeter.” The action comes ahead of West Bengal’s two-phase assembly elections on April 23 and 29.

Officials said about eight premises were raided, including the residences and commercial properties of Poddar in Ballygunge, Rahul Das alias Babu Sona, and a business entity Sun Group along with its promoter Jay Kamdar. Approximately Rs 1.2 crore in cash, mostly in Rs 500 notes, was recovered from premises allegedly linked to Kamdar. A country-made pistol was seized from Poddar’s residence.

Sources noted that Poddar enjoys alleged political patronage and, along with associates like Das, is wanted in land grabbing cases in West Bengal. His name reportedly surfaced after a recent clash between two groups in Kolkata’s Kankulia area.

Officials did not confirm whether the raids were connected to the recent questioning of TMC MLA Debasish Kumar in an alleged land fraud case. Kumar, who represents the Rashbehari seat in South Kolkata, goes to polls in the second phase on April 29. The ED is also probing possible financial links between Kumar and businessman Amit Gangopadhyay, whose property was recently searched.