Who Is Kolkata DCP Shantanu Sinha Biswas Arrested By ED In The High-Profile Sona Pappu Case?

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday arrested Kolkata Deputy Commissioner of Police Shantanu Sinha Biswas in connection with the high-profile Sona Pappu case involving allegations of extortion, money laundering and land grabbing. The arrest has become one of the most significant developments in the ongoing investigation, which has already drawn major attention across West Bengal.

According to officials, the senior police officer was taken into custody after allegedly failing to appear before investigators despite being served multiple summons notices by the ED during the course of the probe. Sources said the agency believed continued non-cooperation could affect the investigation and therefore moved forward with stronger legal action.

ED Action After Multiple Summons

Officials said the ED had repeatedly summoned Shantanu Sinha Biswas for questioning in connection with the case. One of the major summons was issued on April 28, just a day before the second phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections, asking him to appear before investigators at the CGO Complex in Kolkata.

However, the officer reportedly did not appear before the agency. Officials later claimed that repeated notices sent to him were ignored, raising concerns within the agency regarding possible attempts to avoid questioning.

Fearing that the senior officer might leave the country, the ED reportedly approached the court and secured a lookout notice against him before carrying out the arrest. The agency also contacted the Directorate of Security seeking details regarding his current posting, duty status and whereabouts to ensure his appearance before investigators.

What Is The Sona Pappu Case?

The investigation revolves around a man identified as Sona Pappu, a resident of Ballygunge in Kolkata, who is facing multiple allegations including land grabbing, extortion and offences under the Arms Act.

Based on complaints and financial intelligence inputs, the ED launched a money laundering probe into the alleged activities and possible financial transactions linked to the network. Investigators suspect the existence of a larger organised racket involving illegal land deals, intimidation and financial crime.

The agency had earlier arrested businessman Joy Kamdar from Behala in connection with the same case. Officials believe the probe may reveal deeper links between influential individuals and the alleged criminal network.

Raids At DCP's Residence

Last month, the ED carried out raids at the residence of Shantanu Sinha Biswas on Fern Road in Kolkata. According to reports, the searches started early in the morning and continued till around 2 am the following day.

Officials reportedly examined property-related documents, digital records, financial papers and communication devices during the operation. The searches were conducted as part of efforts to trace money trails and possible links connected to the investigation.

Following the raids, the ED summoned the officer along with his two sons, Sayantan and Manish, for questioning. However, according to officials, none of them appeared before the agency.

Earlier ED Summons In Another Case

This is not the first time Shantanu Sinha Biswas has come under the ED scanner. Earlier in April, the agency had also summoned him in connection with a separate sand smuggling investigation when he was serving as Officer-in-Charge of Kalighat Police Station.

Although his lawyer reportedly appeared before the ED office during that investigation, the officer himself did not appear and instead sought more time citing prior commitments.
Officials now believe the repeated absence in multiple investigations raised serious concerns regarding cooperation with the agency.

ED Sees Arrest As Major Step In Probe

Investigators believe the arrest is an important breakthrough in the Sona Pappu case. The agency is expected to question the senior officer extensively regarding his alleged role, possible connections and financial dealings linked to the accused persons already under investigation.

The arrest of a serving senior Kolkata Police officer has also added a political and administrative dimension to the case, making it one of the most closely watched investigations in the state.

Officials are now examining financial transactions, communication records and property documents to understand the larger network allegedly operating behind the case.

Investigation Likely To Expand Further

The ED has indicated that the investigation is still ongoing and further action may follow in the coming days. Officials believe more individuals connected to the alleged extortion and land-grabbing network may soon come under scrutiny.

As the agency deepens its probe, the case is expected to trigger wider discussions around police accountability, financial crime investigations and alleged criminal networks operating in West Bengal.

The arrest of Shantanu Sinha Biswas has now turned the Sona Pappu case into one of the most high-profile enforcement investigations currently unfolding in the state.