The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has formally communicated with the West Bengal Directorate of Security, requesting detailed information regarding Santanu Sinha Biswas, the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) for Special Branch (II) of the Kolkata Police. An ED official confirmed that the agency is attempting to locate Biswas, who is believed to be in Jharkhand.
Background of the Case
On April 28, a day before the second phase of the assembly elections, the ED summoned Biswas to the CGO Complex in connection with the Sona Pappu case. However, Biswas failed to appear. Fearing that he might flee the country, the ED approached the court and obtained a lookout notice against him. The agency has now written to the security directorate due to Biswas's persistent non-compliance with the summons.
An ED officer indicated that the agency seeks to ascertain Biswas's current status, duties, and location. The primary objective is to ensure his appearance before the ED office for questioning.
The Sona Pappu Case
Sona Pappu, a resident of Ballygunge, faces multiple allegations, including land grabbing, extortion, and charges under the Arms Act. Based on these complaints, the ED initiated a probe and arrested a businessman from Behala, Joy Kamdar. Last month, the ED conducted a raid at Biswas's residence on Fern Road, which lasted from early morning until around 2 am. The following day, the ED summoned Biswas and his two sons, Sayantan and Manish, to the CGO Complex in relation to the same case. However, none of them appeared at the ED office.
Sand Smuggling Probe
Earlier in April, the ED summoned Biswas, who was then the Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Kalighat Police Station, as part of an investigation into sand smuggling. Although Biswas did not appear in person, his lawyer visited the ED office. Biswas reportedly requested additional time, citing other commitments. An ED officer stated, "He was served notices to appear before the agency five times, but he did not appear. Given his continued non-cooperation, he may try to evade the probe by going abroad."
Current Status
Attempts by the Times of India to contact Biswas on Wednesday went unanswered. Officials from the Special Branch declined to comment on whether Biswas had proceeded on leave.
