Kolkata, India — April 26, 2026
In a significant development ahead of the upcoming assembly elections in West Bengal, the Enforcement Directorate carried out a series of coordinated raids across multiple locations on Sunday, intensifying political activity in the state.
Officials confirmed that the agency launched simultaneous operations in connection with two major investigations—an alleged financial fraud linked to a fugitive known as “Sona Pappu” and a large-scale wheat diversion scam under the Public Distribution System (PDS).
Probe Into ‘Sona Pappu’ Network Expands
The Enforcement Directorate conducted searches at several business establishments in the Anandapur and Alipore areas of Kolkata.
The raids are part of an ongoing investigation into alleged financial irregularities and illegal land encroachment involving the absconding accused, widely referred to as “Sona Pappu.”
Key focus of investigation:
Authorities are examining whether local business operators had any involvement in suspected illicit financial transactions connected to the accused.
Investigators also indicated that the case may have links to influential individuals, potentially widening the scope of the probe in the coming days. More search operations are expected as the agency tracks financial trails.
PDS Wheat Scam: Nine Locations Raided
In a parallel operation, the agency targeted a suspected wheat diversion scam linked to the Public Distribution System (PDS), conducting raids at nine locations across Kolkata, Bardhaman, and Habra.
The case originated from a complaint filed by an official at the Ghojadanga Land Customs Station, which pointed to irregularities in the handling of government-supplied food grains.
Alleged modus operandi:
Investigators suspect that wheat allocated for low-income beneficiaries was diverted from the official supply chain and sold in the open market at higher prices.
Officials believe the operation may involve a well-organized network comprising suppliers, dealers, distributors, and intermediaries working in coordination.
Political Temperature Rises Ahead of Elections
The timing of the raids—just ahead of the state elections—has heightened political tensions in West Bengal, triggering sharp reactions from various political parties.
While the Enforcement Directorate maintains that the actions are part of ongoing investigations, the developments have added a new dimension to the already charged electoral environment.
Authorities emphasized that the probe is ongoing and that every individual linked to the cases will be examined based on evidence.
