Kolkata, August 10: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has launched significant operations against Sabyasachi Dutta and others based on extortion allegations. On July 31, the Kolkata zonal office conducted searches at 15 locations in Kolkata and its vicinity, including a site in Gurugram.
On Monday, the ED released a statement detailing the raids. The searches targeted the residence of former TMC MLA Sabyasachi Dutta, offices of companies linked to him, and properties associated with individuals connected to him and his businesses.
During these operations, the ED seized crucial documents related to earnings from extortion and other illegal activities, including ledgers and digital devices. Dutta and his associates allegedly funneled funds through shell companies such as Precision Buildcom Private Limited, Softline Media Network Private Limited, and Avam Realty Private Limited, investing in both movable and immovable assets.
Approximately 150 bank and demat accounts linked to Dutta and his associates were frozen during the ED’s search, revealing a balance of at least ₹13.9 crores as of August 9. Additionally, ₹40.50 lakhs in cash and $17,200 in foreign currency were confiscated.
The ED has initiated an investigation under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. An Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) was filed on June 23, 2026, based on an FIR registered at the Bidhannagar police station (North). The FIR accused former mayor Sabyasachi Dutta and his associates of misusing their political influence to run an extortion racket. Through intimidation, violence, and criminal conspiracy, this group allegedly extorted money from local businesses, converting a portion of their earnings into assets such as gold, fixed deposits, mutual funds, and real estate. The ED continues its investigation and further actions in this case.
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