Kolkata, April 19 (IANS) The Enforcement Directorate on Sunday detained businessman Joy Kamdar, the Managing Director of Sun Enterprise, as part of its investigation into a money laundering case against criminal Sona Pappu alias Biswajit Poddar and his linked syndicate.

The businessman was detained after ED officials conducted a raid at his residence in the Behala area of South Kolkata earlier in the morning. The ED also raided two premises linked to Kolkata Police Deputy Commissioner Shantanu Sinha Biswas in the Ballygunge area in South Kolkata as part of the same operation.

“ED is raiding Kolkata Police Deputy Commissioner Shantanu Sinha Biswas’s residence in Ballygunge and Sun Enterprise Managing Director Joy Kamdar’s residence in Behala. So far two premises belonging to Shantanu Sinha Biswas and one belonging to Joy Kamdar have been raided in connection with Sona Pappu and Joy Kamdar in connection with a case registered under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002,” said a statement issued by the ED.

Locals claim that Kamdar is mainly involved in the business of promoting (real estate development) and construction. His house was searched earlier, too. His name came up during the search operation at Sona Pappu’s house earlier this month.

The central investigation agency recovered cash from Kamdar’s house in Behala. The ED had earlier summoned this businessman twice for questioning. However, he avoided appearing both times. After that, ED officials went to his house again on Sunday.

The raid was conducted to investigate a money laundering case against Sona Pappu, who is booked in multiple cases on charges of attempted murder and extortion, said an ED official.

Sona Pappu allegedly runs syndicates in the South Kolkata areas of Kasba and Ballygunge and has several FIRs against him over various allegations. He is also a prime accused in the Golpark clashes that took place in February. He is at present absconding, but does live on social media to target the Central investigation agency for harassing his family members.

Officials have alleged that Pappu extorted money from construction companies, which was rerouted to influential people. ED conducted the first round of searches in this case on April 1. The ED had then seized cash of Rs 1.47 crore, gold jewellery and silver valued at Rs 67.64 lakh and a country-made revolver from some premises that were searched.

The investigation stems from a Kolkata Police FIR against Pappu for his alleged involvement in rioting, attempt to murder, criminal conspiracy and Arms Act violations.

The accused, including Pappu, were engaged in organised criminal syndicate activities in West Bengal and generated funds illegally through syndicate operations, the ED said in a statement on April 9.

The ED had issued a summons to Pappu, but he has failed to appear before its officials so far.

–IANS

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