ED Issues Lookout Notice for Kolkata Deputy Police Commissioner

Kolkata (IANS): The Enforcement Directorate (ED) issued a lookout notice on Tuesday against Kolkata Police Deputy Commissioner Santanu Sinha Biswas. The move follows the officer’s repeated failure to comply with interrogation summons related to two high-profile money laundering investigations.

Evasion of Summons and Investigation

Authorities took action after the officer skipped multiple appearances at the ED’s Salt Lake office:

• Ignored Notices: Biswas reportedly failed to respond to several notices sent by the agency.

• Search Operations: ED officials previously conducted raids at his residence last month, but the officer was not present.

• Missing Status: Investigators have been unable to obtain information regarding his current whereabouts from his relatives.

Alleged Links and Misconduct

The investigation into Biswas intensified following the arrest of businessman Joy Kamdar:

• Business Ties: Evidence suggests close links between Kamdar and Biswas, with allegations that Kamdar provided expensive gifts and favors to the officer’s family.

• Misuse of Power: It is alleged that these favors were used to gain influence within the police department to file fraudulent complaints, specifically regarding high-value property disputes.

• Political Allegations: Opposition parties, including the BJP, have frequently accused Biswas of acting as a political agent for the Trinamool Congress while in uniform.

Flight Risk Concerns

Sources indicate that the lookout notice was issued due to concerns that Biswas might attempt to leave the country following the Trinamool Congress’s recent electoral defeat. The officer is noted for his close ties to outgoing Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, whom he has publicly referred to as “Mother” during official programs.