ED Crackdown in Bengal Triggers Political Storm, Senior Officials Under Scanner

Kolkata: A senior officer of the Kolkata Police’s Special Branch, DCP Shantanu Sinha Biswas, has reportedly gone missing after the Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted a raid at his residence. He is believed to be linked to multiple investigations, including alleged irregularities in private medical colleges involving fake NRI quotas, as well as cases related to sand, coal, and land dealings. Following the ED summons, his whereabouts remain unknown and he is currently untraceable.

ED Tightens Grip on I-PAC Links
The ED has also intensified its focus on I-PAC, a political consultancy firm associated with the TMC. Director Shrabhi Raj Singh has been summoned in connection with a hawala and money laundering case, while another director, Vinesh Chandel, is in ED custody. He faces allegations of involvement in hawala transactions worth ?20 crore linked to coal theft proceeds. These developments have raised questions over the company’s operations, though Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has dismissed speculation around any wrongdoing.

More Names Emerge in Expanding Probe
The investigation is widening, bringing several prominent figures under scrutiny. Former Education Secretary Manish Jain has been called in for questioning in connection with the SSC recruitment scam. Businessman Jay S. Kamdar has been arrested over alleged links to gangster Sona Pappu in a hawala network. Fresh raids have also been carried out at locations linked to former minister Partha Chatterjee, while officials like Sunil Agarwal are also being examined as part of the probe.

Political Fallout Intensifies
The developments have added a strong political dimension to the case. The TMC has accused the central agencies of targeting the party out of political vendetta, especially ahead of elections. Meanwhile, the ED maintains that its actions are part of a broader effort to curb money laundering and financial crimes. With raids and arrests escalating just before the first phase of polling, the situation has stirred significant political tension in West Bengal.