In a dramatic escalation ahead of the West Bengal Assembly elections, central agencies launched coordinated search operations across Kolkata on Friday. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) raided multiple locations linked to a real estate firm over alleged financial irregularities, while the Income Tax Department simultaneously carried out searches at properties associated with TMC leader Debasish Kumar—intensifying the political temperature in the state.
Early Friday morning, several ED teams, accompanied by central forces, moved out from the CGO Complex and conducted raids at multiple premises of the construction company, including locations in Salt Lake and other parts of the city. According to sources, the कार्रवाई is linked to an ongoing probe into suspected financial misappropriation and irregular transactions related to land dealings.
This is not the first time the agency has targeted the firm. Just days ago, ED officials had conducted similar searches at offices, residential properties, and flats connected to the same group. Officials had then indicated that the investgation aimed to track illegal financial flows and scrutinize land-related transactions, especially in the context of the upcoming elections. The latest round of raids is believed to be based on fresh leads gathered during the earlier raid.
Parallel to the ED action, the Income Tax Department carried out searches at multiple locations linked to Debasish Kumar, TMC candidate from the Rashbehari constituency. Officials reached his residence on Manoharpukur Road early in the morning, along with his election office at the same location. Another office on Motilal Nehru Road was also searched.
Local TMC leaders, however, claimed that while the office belongs to Debasish Kumar, it is currently being used for election-related activities by Ballygunge candidate Shovandeb Chattopadhyay.
Debasish Kumar has also been under the scanner of the ED in a separate land-related case. He was summoned multiple times earlier this month—on April 1, 3, and 9—and had appeared for questioning at the agency’s CGO Complex office.
The twin actions by central agencies have triggered sharp political reactions. The ruling Trinamool Congress has raised questions over the timing of the raids, alleging that such moves are aimed at influencing the electoral process.
With elections around the corner, the developments have added a fresh layer of tension to Bengal’s already charged political landscape.
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