ED nabs absconding Sona Pappu after 3-month manhunt over land grabbing, extortion allegations

He appeared before the ED at the CGO Complex in Salt Lake, Kolkata, earlier in the day, marking a dramatic turn in a case that has been under intense scrutiny.

Pappu arrived at the ED office accompanied by his wife.

As journalists questioned him on whether he feared imminent arrest, he firmly denied any wrongdoing, stating, “I have committed no wrong. I have never engaged in extortion at any point in my life.”

From absconding to appearance

Investigators say Pappu had been evading summons issued by the ED for several months.

Despite multiple attempts to trace him, he remained out of reach while continuing to make occasional social media appearances through Facebook Live, drawing attention from both the public and investigators.

Bombing incident and financial trail under probe

The case reportedly escalated after an incident of unrest and bomb-throwing near the jurisdiction of the Rabindra Sarobar police station.

Authorities allege that associates linked to Pappu were involved in instigating the violence in the Kakulia Road area.

During the investigation, officials reportedly uncovered suspected illicit financial transactions tied to the same network.

Subsequent searches at Pappu’s residence in South Kolkata allegedly helped establish financial links now under scrutiny by central agencies.

Alleged nexus with senior officer and businessman

Investigators claim that financial records point to connections between Sona Pappu, Deputy Commissioner of Police Shantanu Sinha Biswas, and businessman Jay S. Kamdar.

According to officials, both Biswas and Kamdar were arrested earlier in connection with related allegations, with the ED alleging that they benefited financially through transactions facilitated by Pappu.

Authorities are now examining the flow of funds between the accused parties and whether any external influence or coordination existed in the alleged operations.

Long criminal history under scanner

Police records cited in the investigation suggest that Pappu has been associated with multiple criminal cases over the past decade, including incidents dating back to a 2015 clash at Ballygunge railway yard, a 2017 murder-related FIR, and a 2021 alleged coordinated attack attempt outside Presidency Correctional Home.

Officials also note that there are reportedly over 20 complaints across various police stations involving allegations ranging from extortion to syndicate operations in areas such as Kasba, Tiljala, and Topsia.

Interrogation underway

Sources confirm that questioning has already begun at the ED office. Investigators are focusing on identifying additional individuals linked to the alleged financial network, as well as determining whether any political or administrative figures had indirect involvement.

The agency is also examining digital evidence, banking records, and communication trails to reconstruct the alleged conspiracy.

Next steps

Pappu is expected to remain under questioning as the ED seeks custody for further interrogation.

Officials have indicated that more arrests could follow depending on what emerges from ongoing analysis.

The case continues to develop as authorities widen the scope of investigation across multiple jurisdictions in Kolkata.