ED Arrests Kolkata Realtor Jay S Kamdar, Alleges Deep Police Connections and Illegal Activities
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) made a significant arrest on Monday, taking realtor Jay S Kamdar into custody. The agency has put forth serious allegations, claiming that Kamdar was "in close contact" with several serving police officers in Kolkata. Among those named is Santanu Sinha Biswas, a Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) currently serving in the Kolkata Police's Special Branch.
Allegations of Favours and Gifts to Police Officers
According to the ED's claims, Kamdar had been providing these police officers and their family members with "favours and expensive gifts." The agency asserts that Kamdar "wielded considerable clout among a section of police officers" and misused this influence to obtain personal benefits. This allegedly included lodging complaints against unsuspecting individuals in matters related to land disputes and property transactions.
Court Grants Nine-Day ED Custody for Questioning
A Kolkata PMLA court has remanded Jay S Kamdar to nine days of ED custody. This custodial interrogation is intended for questioning regarding his alleged connections with Biswajit Podder, also known as Sona Pappu. The investigation is focusing on the nature and extent of these associations and their involvement in various illegal activities.
Investigation into Hawala Transactions and Shell Companies
The Enforcement Directorate has alleged that Kamdar was involved in illegal international cross-border and domestic hawala transactions. These financial activities were reportedly conducted through a network of shell companies, which are currently under active investigation by the agency. Hawala refers to an informal method of transferring money without any physical movement, often used to bypass legal financial channels.
Systematic Property Acquisition Through Unlawful Means
Documents and digital evidence seized by the ED indicate that Kamdar and his associates were "systematically and premeditatedly" acquiring immovable properties. The agency claims these properties were taken from lawful owners through various unlawful methods, constituting a pattern of criminal behavior in the real estate sector.
Massive Seizures During Raids on April 1
During searches conducted on April 1, the Enforcement Directorate made substantial seizures. These included:
- Cash amounting to Rs 1.47 crore
- Gold and silver jewellery valued at Rs 67.64 lakh
- An SUV vehicle
- An unlicensed revolver
Additionally, several land parcels and buildings were identified as properties allegedly acquired through criminal activities. These assets are now part of the ongoing investigation into the proceeds of crime.
Sources of Illegal Proceeds: Extortion and Property Grabbing
The ED has stated that the proceeds of crime were generated through multiple illegal activities. These include:
- Extortion from individuals and businesses
- Property grabbing from rightful owners
- Unauthorised construction projects
These activities were allegedly carried out through entities controlled by Biswajit Podder and his associates, indicating a coordinated network engaged in criminal enterprises.
The case highlights significant concerns about corruption within law enforcement and the real estate sector in Kolkata. The ED's investigation continues to uncover the depth of these alleged illegal operations, with further developments expected as questioning proceeds during Kamdar's custody period.
