ED Action: Former Kolkata DCP and ‘Sona Pappu’ Arrested in Money Laundering Case 2026

Kolkata: The Directorate of Enforcement (ED), Kolkata Zonal Office, has intensified its probe into a high-profile money laundering case with the arrest of former Kolkata Police Deputy Commissioner Santanu Sinha Biswas and alleged syndicate operator Biswajit Podder alias “Sona Pappu” under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002.

According to official sources, Santanu Sinha Biswas, a former Deputy Commissioner of Police with Kolkata Police, was arrested on May 14, 2026, while Biswajit Podder, popularly known as Sona Pappu, was taken into custody on May 19, 2026 as part of the ongoing investigation into alleged financial irregularities and money laundering activities.

Accused Produced Before Special PMLA Court

Following their arrests, both accused were produced before the Special Court at Bichar Bhavan, Kolkata, where the Enforcement Directorate sought custodial interrogation to further investigate the financial transactions, assets, and alleged proceeds of crime connected to the case.

The court granted 14 days of ED custody for Santanu Sinha Biswas and 10 days of ED custody for Biswajit Podder, allowing investigators to question them and examine evidence gathered during the course of the investigation.

Officials stated that extensive interrogation was conducted during the custody period to trace the money trail, identify additional beneficiaries, and gather information regarding investments, business dealings, and financial transactions linked to the alleged laundering network.

Sent to Judicial Custody After ED Interrogation

After the completion of the custodial interrogation granted to the Enforcement Directorate, both accused were produced again before the court.

The Special Court subsequently ordered that Santanu Sinha Biswas and Biswajit Podder be remanded to judicial custody, where they will remain while further legal proceedings and investigations continue.

Sources familiar with the investigation indicated that the agency is analyzing information obtained during questioning and examining various financial records, digital evidence, and property-related documents recovered during searches conducted in connection with the case.

Earlier Arrest of Jay S. Kamdar

The latest arrests come after the Enforcement Directorate had earlier arrested Jay S. Kamdar under the provisions of the PMLA in the same case.

Investigators believe that multiple individuals may have played different roles in the alleged financial network currently under scrutiny. The agency is examining links between the accused persons and their business, financial, and property transactions.

Authorities have not ruled out the possibility of additional action as the investigation progresses and fresh evidence emerges.

Financial Transactions Under Scanner

The money laundering probe is focused on tracing alleged proceeds of crime and determining how funds were generated, transferred, and invested.

Investigators are reportedly examining bank accounts, corporate transactions, real estate investments, and other financial assets that may be linked to the accused persons and their associates.

Particular attention is being paid to identifying the flow of funds and determining whether any assets were acquired using illegally generated money.

Officials stated that financial records and digital evidence collected during earlier search operations are being subjected to detailed forensic and analytical examination.

High-Profile Investigation

The arrest of a former senior police officer has brought significant attention to the case, making it one of the most closely watched financial crime investigations in the region.

Law enforcement agencies are working to establish the complete scope of the alleged operation, identify all individuals involved, and determine the extent of financial benefits derived from the suspected activities.

The Enforcement Directorate is also coordinating with other agencies wherever necessary to verify documents, transaction records, and ownership details of various assets under investigation.

Investigation Continues

The agency has reiterated that the investigation remains active and that further inquiries are underway to uncover the full extent of the alleged money laundering network.

Officials stated that evidence gathered during searches, interrogations, and financial analysis will continue to be examined as part of efforts to identify proceeds of crime and ensure accountability under the law.

With multiple arrests already made and several aspects of the case still under examination, the investigation is expected to continue in the coming weeks as authorities pursue additional leads and scrutinize the financial links between the accused individual