Fugitive DC Shantanu Biswas: ED Seeks Urgent Action from Bengal Police

In a bold move against alleged corruption in West Bengal's police ranks, the Enforcement Directorate has called on the state's security chief to deliver absconding Deputy Commissioner Shantanu Sinha Biswas for interrogation. The request, made Wednesday to the Director General of Police, underscores the gravity of two money laundering cases implicating the officer. Biswas's service history is also under scrutiny, with ED demanding detailed records to map his career trajectory amid these charges. Known for his proximity to Mamata Banerjee's inner circle, the officer's evasion tactics have drawn sharp focus. ED issued repeated summons for Biswas to appear at their Salt Lake office, but he consistently failed to comply. Associates and relatives offered no leads on his location, prompting heightened surveillance. Post-election jitters led to a lookout circular on May 5, right after TMC's loss in the assembly polls. Investigators worried Biswas might exploit the political upheaval to exit India. Expanding its probe into a massive laundering racket linked to shell firms, ED conducted searches at Biswas's home and nabbed Joy Kammadar, a local tycoon with proven connections to the cop. Evidence points to Kammadar showering officers with opulent presents to buy favors within the force. These favors reportedly included orchestrating fake FIRs in lucrative real estate feuds, shielding influential players. Biswas's absence during home raids and ignored notices have only intensified the probe. For years, opposition voices have branded Biswas a partisan figure masquerading as a policeman, serving TMC interests. This ED offensive could unravel long-standing grievances. As pressure builds on state police to cooperate, the case highlights vulnerabilities in governance. Biswas's surrender could be a turning point, or it might reveal more entrenched corruption networks.