ED seizes Rs 2.78 crore assets of ex-Kolkata police officer in land grab probe

The Enforcement Directorate has initiated asset attachment proceedings against a retired Kolkata Police officer, freezing property and financial holdings valued at Rs 2.78 crore in connection with an ongoing land-grab investigation. The federal agency's action follows preliminary investigations suggesting the officer's involvement in illegal acquisition and appropriation of land parcels in the Kolkata region.

The attached assets include immovable properties and bank deposits identified during the ED's financial probe into the officer's wealth accumulation patterns. The agency's investigation has reportedly uncovered transactions and property transfers that officials believe are disproportionate to the officer's legitimate income sources during his tenure in the police force.

This development represents an escalation in the ED's crackdown on alleged land-grabbing networks operating in West Bengal's major urban centers. The agency has been systematically investigating networks involving public officials accused of exploiting their official positions to facilitate illegal real estate transactions and property seizures.

The attachment of assets is a preliminary measure under anti-money laundering statutes, allowing the ED to prevent suspected proceeds from being transferred or concealed. The case is expected to proceed through adjudication processes as the investigation continues, with the possibility of further action depending on findings from ongoing inquiries.