Amid the charged atmosphere ahead of the West Bengal Assembly elections, central investigative agencies have intensified their activities in Kolkata, triggering fresh political ripples. In the early hours of Sunday, officials from the Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted a raid at the residence of senior Kolkata Police officer Shantanu Sinha Biswas. The flat, located on Fern Road in Ballygunge, was searched beginning around 6:00 am, with central force personnel accompanying the investigative team.
According to sources, ED officials are examining key documents as well as electronic devices. Biswas, who currently serves as a Deputy Commissioner of Police, was also subjected to multiple rounds of questioning during the operation.
Investigators have not officially disclosed the precise nature of the case. However, sources within the agency indicated that the action is linked to an ongoing probe into certain financial transactions. This is not the first time Biswas has come under scrutiny. He had earlier been questioned in connection with alleged coal smuggling activities and had challenged the summons in court. He was also reportedly summoned in a separate case concerning alleged irregularities in medical admissions under the NRI quota.
Biswas previously served as the Officer-in-Charge of the Kalighat Police Station for several years. During his tenure, questions regarding his conduct had reportedly surfaced on multiple occasions.
The latest ED’s action has stirred unease within police circles and reignited political speculation, particularly given its timing just ahead of the elections. Political observers note that such actions often intensify the already heated exchanges between the ruling party and the opposition.
Meanwhile, in a separate development, the Income Tax Department on Saturday conducted a search operation at the residence of Debasish Kumar, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) candidate from the Rashbehari constituency. Raids were also carried out at his party office and election campaign office.
The operation reportedly lasted nearly 12 hours and sparked controversy after allegations emerged that Kumar’s election agent was prevented from entering the premises to access necessary documents.
The incident quickly escalated into a political flashpoint, with supporters staging protests and the candidate publicly expressing his anger. Mamata Banerjee, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo, strongly condemned the action. The party has since approached the Election Commission, questioning the legitimacy of the Income Tax raids and demanding action against the officers involved.
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