ED Tightens Noose Around Senior Kolkata Police Officer: DCP Shantanu Biswas Arrested, Hawala Links Under Scanner

Kolkata: In a major development, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has arrested Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Shantanu Biswas of the Kolkata Police in connection with an alleged hawala-linked money laundering and financial irregularities case. The arrest followed hours of interrogation and has triggered widespread political reactions in West Bengal.

The officer was taken into custody after a prolonged questioning session as investigators intensified their probe into suspected illegal financial networks.

Allegations of Hawala Network and Illegal Financial Transactions

According to officials, the case involves allegations of a complex financial network linked to hawala transactions, extortion, and suspicious money flows. Investigators are examining whether illicit funds were routed through multiple channels to benefit individuals with access to influence and administrative power.

Sources claim the probe is also focused on alleged connections between the officer and individuals identified as suspected financial intermediaries, including a businessman and a known criminal operator. The Enforcement Directorate is assessing whether these links facilitated the movement of unaccounted money through informal financial channels.

Officials say the investigation is centered on identifying the origin, routing, and beneficiaries of suspected illicit funds.

Prolonged Interrogation Leads to Arrest

The officer was questioned for several hours regarding alleged hawala operations, questionable financial dealings, and banking transactions flagged during the investigation.

Authorities stated that despite repeated summons over previous months, the officer allegedly failed to appear before the agency until recently. Following his appearance, he was subjected to extensive interrogation.

Investigators reportedly confronted him with digital records, banking data, and financial documents recovered during searches linked to associated individuals. The ED later concluded that his responses were not satisfactory, leading to his arrest late in the night.

Digital Evidence and Financial Trail Under Review

As part of the ongoing investigation, the agency is analyzing electronic records, mobile data, and banking transactions recovered during earlier raids. Officials believe these records may reveal a broader network of financial irregularities involving multiple actors.

Search operations conducted in recent weeks reportedly led to the seizure of documents and digital devices that are now being examined for evidence of money laundering and illegal fund transfers.

The ED is also investigating whether extortion activities were connected to the suspected financial network and how funds were allegedly circulated through informal channels.

Custodial Remand Likely as Investigation Expands

Following the arrest, investigators are expected to seek custodial remand for further interrogation. Authorities aim to map the complete money trail and identify additional individuals who may be linked to the alleged network.

Officials indicate that further questioning will focus on financial transactions, communication records, and cross-linked business relationships uncovered during the probe.

Political Reactions Intensify in West Bengal

The arrest has sparked strong political reactions across the state. The officer has previously been perceived in some circles as having proximity to leaders of the ruling political establishment. However, no official statement has been issued by the All India Trinamool Congress at the time of reporting.

Opposition parties have seized on the development to question law enforcement integrity and demand greater transparency in ongoing investigations.

The case is expected to remain politically sensitive as the probe continues and more details emerge.