The Enforcement Directorate (ED) arrested Biswajit Poddar, widely known as Sona Pappu, on Monday in connection with a land grab scam. The central agency took him into custody after finding him evasive and non-cooperative during questioning. Pappu, a history-sheeter who had been absconding for a long period, appeared before the ED's CGO Complex office accompanied by his wife. Following nearly eight hours of interrogation, he was arrested and is expected to be produced before the special PMLA court on Tuesday.
Pappu denies allegations
Before entering the ED office, Pappu rejected all accusations leveled against him. He stated, "I was never involved with bombing or extortion. My father was into the jewellery business, and I have the same business. I was never involved with any real estate project." He also denied allegations of forcibly acquiring land and claimed he had never spoken to Santanu Sinha Biswas, a deputy commissioner of police who was arrested by the agency on Friday in connection with the same case. Pappu further said, "I was in my house all along. I have never occupied any big post in the party."
Previous arrests in the case
Earlier last month, the ED had arrested Joy S Kamdar, an aide of Pappu, in connection with the land grab scam. Pappu admitted knowing Kamdar but stated, "He has no relationship with him other than friendship." He added that he appeared before the agency because officials wanted to "meet him." The ED's investigation into the scam has also led to the arrest of Deputy Commissioner of Police Santanu Sinha Biswas on Friday, who is allegedly involved in the fraudulent activities.
Municipal recruitment scam probe continues
In a separate development, ED officials on Monday confronted former South Dumdum Municipality chairman Pachu Roy with former minister Sujit Bose in connection with the ongoing municipal recruitment scam probe. Roy, who served as chairperson of the South Dumdum Municipality between 2015 and 2020, had been previously questioned by the agency. The appointments under scrutiny were made in 2017, and Bose has been accused of alleged irregularities in the recruitment process. The ED is intensifying its investigation into both cases, seeking to uncover the full extent of the financial crimes involved.
