kolkata

IIE DIGITAL DESK ; Kolkata, May 22: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Friday launched a series of search operations across Kolkata and Murshidabad in connection with the ongoing investigation into the alleged financial and criminal network linked to Sona Pappu. The coordinated raids began early in the morning and targeted several locations believed to be associated with key individuals connected to the case.

ED sources, searches are currently underway at three separate locations in Kolkata, including Kasba, Chakraberia and Royd Street. Simultaneously, central agency officials have also conducted raids at a palatial residence in Kandi, Murshidabad, belonging to former Kolkata Police Deputy Commissioner Shantanu Sinha Biswas, whose name has surfaced during the course of the investigation.

The major raids took place at the residence of businessman Atul Kataria in Chakraberia. Investigators suspect Kataria to be a close associate of Sona Pappu and are examining financial records and other documents recovered during the search. ED officials are also carrying out operations at the residence of a Kolkata Police sub-inspector in Kasba as part of the same investigation.

 The agency said the ED is conducting searches at nine locations across Kolkata and Murshidabad linked to Sona Pappu and the Shantanu Sinha Biswas case. Among those under the scanner are Mohammad Ali, also known as Max Raju, Saurabh Adhikari — identified as the nephew of Shantanu Sinha Biswas — along with other associates believed to have played roles in the alleged network.

The raids are reportedly based on information obtained during custodial interrogation of the accused and other persons connected to the case. Investigators are trying to trace financial transactions, alleged illegal assets and possible links between police officials, businessmen and members of the alleged criminal syndicate.

The latest action by the ED indicates that the investigation is widening, with central agencies focusing on uncovering the larger financial trail and possible institutional links connected to the Sona Pappu network.