Kolkata, Aug 15 (IANS) Joy Kamdar, a Kolkata-based businessman and real estate promoter arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) earlier this year for his alleged involvement in multiple illegal land-grabbing cases, has approached the central agency seeking to become an approver in the matter.

According to sources, Kamdar’s counsel has also filed a formal application before a special Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) court in Kolkata, where the case is currently being heard.

It remains unclear whether the ED will accept Kamdar’s request or whether the court will grant him approver status. The special PMLA court has given the agency until August 25 to convey its decision on the proposal.

The case centres on an alleged illegal land-grabbing nexus involving Kamdar, alleged land mafia kingpin Biswajit Poddar alias Sona Pappu, and former Kolkata Police deputy commissioner Santanu Sinha Biswas.

Kamdar was arrested in April, while Sinha Biswas and Poddar were taken into custody in May. Investigators claim the trio amassed substantial illegal proceeds through land-grabbing operations.

The ED has alleged that the accused routed illicit earnings through hawala channels. Investigators reportedly uncovered Kamdar’s communication with hawala operators in Malaysia, the UK and Dubai, and later traced significant real estate assets linked to Kamdar and Sinha Biswas in the Bolpur-Santiniketan area of Birbhum district, allegedly acquired using unaccounted money.

If Kamdar’s plea is accepted, he would be required to record a confidential statement before a judicial magistrate. Such testimony could strengthen the prosecution’s case against the other accused.

Legal experts say that while Indian law permits an accused person to become an approver, the process is complex and involves multiple stages. The investigating agency must first assess the proposal and its legal implications before seeking the court’s approval.

The final decision rests with the presiding judge, who must record reasons and consider all relevant legal aspects before granting such status.

–IANS

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