The Enforcement Directorate has filed an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) against former Trinamool Congress councillor Debraj Chakraborty, who was arrested Wednesday, and launched a probe into the properties allegedly owned by him.
ED sources said Thursday the investigation has begun into the assets and financial transactions, including scrutiny of multiple properties linked to Chakraborty, the husband of former TMC MLA Aditi Munshi.
According to sources, there are several complaints against the former councillor, ranging from extortion and land grabbing to running syndicates and issuing threats.
The Central agency is also examining allegations that Chakraborty owns assets worth close to Rs 1,300 crore, which officials say appear disproportionate to his known sources of income. ED is now attempting to determine the source of the alleged wealth and whether it was acquired through illicit means, according to sources.
The sources said it is also probing whether properties were routed through a company named DC Global and is tracing the money trail to identify the individuals from whom funds were allegedly collected for Chakraborty, as well as those who facilitated the transactions on his behalf.
Extortion, financial irregularities and misappropriation of property
The probe will also examine the wider network involved in the alleged extortion operations and the end beneficiaries of the proceeds, including the possible involvement of other influential figures.
According to ED sources, Chakraborty is suspected of running a syndicate racket, and the agency is likely to question him further and may seek his custody for detailed interrogation as the investigation progresses.
The police in Kolkata’s Baguihati produced Chakraborty before the Barasat court, which granted them a seven-day custody.
The police had initiated an investigation against Chakraborty and Munshi over allegations of extortion, financial irregularities and misappropriation of property. The couple faces serious allegations, including possessing assets disproportionate to their income, concealing them, and engaging in money laundering.
According to police sources, local promoters and auto unions had lodged complaints against Chakraborty, alleging he extorted money through his men. They said 10 FIRs have been filed against him based on these complaints.
Chakraborty and his wife had moved the Calcutta High Court seeking anticipatory bail on the grounds of fear of arrest. While Munshi was granted anticipatory bail, Chakraborty’s plea was rejected by the court.
Chakraborty was also linked to the alleged primary school recruitment scam and was interrogated by the CBI in connection with it.