ED intensifies probe in Sona Pappu case summons Howrah joint commissioner Gaurav Lal, alleged land mafia Joy Kamdar

KOLKATA: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has stepped up its probe into the high-profile ‘Sona Pappu’ case, issuing summons to two individuals for questioning in connection with the investigation.Officials said notices have been sent to Howrah Joint Commissioner Gaurav Lal and alleged land mafia figure Joy Kamdar. Both have been asked to appear before ED officials at the agency’s Kolkata office on Monday for interrogation. The case centres around Sona Pappu, a known history-sheeter from Kolkata, whose premises were recently raided by the ED. During the searches, officials reportedly recovered a pistol along with a substantial amount of cash, raising suspicions of illegal financial activities and possible links to organised crime, accoring to news agency ANI.Officials said the probe is widening, with investigators examining multiple angles, including alleged political links. Sources indicated that the role of several Trinamool Congress (TMC) leaders has also come under scrutiny and they may be questioned as part of the ongoing investigation.The ED is currently analysing financial transactions and other evidence seized during the raids to determine the scale of the network and identify those involved.The Kolkata zonal office of the ED had conducted search operations earlier this month at eight locations across West Bengal in a case linked to Biswajit Podder alias Sona Pappu, Jay S Kamdar and others. During the searches, cash amounting to Rs 1.47 crore, along with gold jewellery and silver valued at Rs 67.64 lakh, were seized. Officials also recovered several incriminating documents and digital devices.The agency said it has identified multiple immovable properties, including land and buildings, suspected to have been acquired through criminal activities.A Fortuner vehicle believed to be used by Sona Pappu was also seized. Additionally, a revolver bearing the marking "Made in USA" was recovered from his residential premises on Fern Road in Kolkata. The weapon was handed over to the West Bengal Police as part of the agency’s effort to ensure free, fair and fearless elections for the West Bengal Legislative Assembly 2026.The ED initiated its investigation based on multiple FIRs registered by the West Bengal Police under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, 1860, and the Arms Act, 1959, in connection with alleged offences including rioting, attempt to murder, criminal conspiracy and Arms Act violations.According to the ED, the accused, including Sona Pappu, were involved in organised criminal syndicate activities in West Bengal and generated large amounts of illegal funds through such operations. Sona Pappu is also wanted in connection with a case of violence near Golpark on Kankulia Road in Kolkata and is currently absconding. The agency has issued a summons to him as well, but he has not joined the investigation so far.The ED said its probe under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) has revealed that proceeds of crime were generated through illegal activities such as extortion, land grabbing and unauthorised construction, allegedly carried out through entities controlled by Sona Pappu and his associates.