The fall of the ‘golden boy of TMC’: Who is Sona Pappu arrested by ED
The Statesman | 19 May 2026
The arrest of Biswajit Poddar alias “Sona Pappu” by the Enforcement Directorate has triggered fresh political and criminal tremors in West Bengal, with investigators now probing an alleged network of land grabbing, extortion, illegal construction, hawala dealings and links with influential officials.
Once seen as an untouchable figure with deep political and administrative connections, Sona Pappu’s arrest is being viewed as one of the biggest crackdowns yet in the BJP government’s widening action against alleged corruption and criminal syndicates linked to the previous Trinamool Congress ecosystem.
After remaining untraceable for months despite multiple allegations and raids, Sona Pappu suddenly appeared at the Enforcement Directorate office at the CGO Complex in Salt Lake on Monday, along with his wife. Following nearly nine hours of questioning, central investigators arrested him today in connection with a financial fraud and extortion case before producing him before the Bankshall Court.
Sona Pappu emerged as a controversial figure in Kolkata’s criminal and political circles long before the Assembly elections. His name repeatedly surfaced in allegations linked to intimidation, extortion, illegal real estate operations and violent clashes across parts of the city.
The spotlight intensified after violence erupted in the Rabindra Sarovar police station area earlier this year, where locals alleged that Sona Pappu’s associates were behind vandalism and unrest. While several individuals were arrested after the incident, investigators failed to trace Sona Pappu, leading to suspicions that he had fled the state or gone underground.
Even while absconding, Sona Pappu appeared on social media through live videos claiming innocence and denying involvement in violence.
The Enforcement Directorate investigation gathered pace after raids conducted in April at properties linked to Sona Pappu and businessman Jay S Kamdar.
During the searches, officials allegedly recovered cash, expensive vehicles, property-related documents and a foreign-made pistol from Sona Pappu’s residence. Investigators suspect the firearm was procured through Jay S Kamdar, who was earlier arrested under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.
According to Enforcement Directorate sources, the probe has revealed alleged illegal international cross-border and domestic hawala transactions routed through shell companies connected to Kamdar and others.
Investigators also claim that Jay S Kamdar maintained close ties with several police officials, including Kolkata Police Deputy Commissioner Shantanu Sinha Biswas, and allegedly provided expensive gifts and favours to officers and their family members.
The agency further alleged that large financial transactions took place between Kamdar and Sona Pappu and that firearms were allegedly supplied to Soma Sonar Poddar, the wife of Sona Pappu.
Officials probing the case said multiple FIRs have already been registered against Sona Pappu over allegations ranging from extortion and criminal intimidation to illegal construction and Arms Act violations.
The Enforcement Directorate stated proceeds of crime were generated through a network involving land grabbing, unauthorised building construction and coercive control over real estate operations allegedly managed by Sona Pappu and his associates.
The case also led investigators to Kolkata Police Deputy Commissioner Shantanu Sinha Biswas, whose residence on Fern Road was raided last month. After questioning, Shantanu Sinha Biswas was later arrested in connection with the probe.
The arrest has rapidly escalated into a major political flashpoint in West Bengal.
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, during a visit to the Bhabanipur Assembly constituency on Monday, publicly named Sona Pappu while speaking about alleged corruption and illegal wealth accumulation in the state.
“I have told the municipal affairs secretary and KMC commissioner about 4 names: Raju Naskar from Beleghata, who has 18 properties; Sona Pappu from Kasba, who has 24 properties; Nephew Abhishek Banerjee… has 24 properties; Javed Khan’s son, who has 90 properties. These people have looted… in the coming days, the BJP government will legally put these corrupt people behind bars,” the Chief Minister said.
The latest developments are expected to further intensify the confrontation between the BJP government and Trinamool Congress leaders, as central agencies continue widening investigations into alleged corruption, land syndicates and politically protected criminal networks across the state.