Kolkata/New Delhi, Apr 1 (PTI) The Enforcement Directorate on Wednesday seized about Rs 1.2 crore in cash and a country-made pistol during searches in Kolkata as part of a money laundering investigation against an alleged criminal and his linked syndicate, official sources said.

The action is being taken in the case against Biswajit Poddar alias Sona Pappu, who is booked in multiple cases of attempted murder and extortion, they said.

The ED action has come amid two-phase assembly polls in West Bengal which are scheduled to be held on April 23 and April 29.

About eight premises, including the residence and commercial premises of Poddar in the Ballygunge area, and that of Rahul Das alias Babu Sona, a business entity named Sun Group and its promoter Jay Kamdar were raided under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), the sources said.

About Rs 1.2 crore in cash was seized from a location allegedly linked to Kamdar, they said, adding all the cash is in Rs 500 denomination.

Besides, a country-made pistol has been seized from the premises of Poddar who is stated to be enjoying political patronage, the sources said.

They said Poddar was a "history sheeter" and that he, along with his alleged associates like Das, was also wanted in cases related to land grabbing in West Bengal.

The sources claimed Poddar's name surfaced during a recent clash between two groups in Kolkata's Kankulia area.

Officials did not confirm if the action was linked to the questioning of TMC MLA Debasish Kumar on Monday at Kolkata in an alleged land fraud case.

Kumar has been renominated from the Rashbehari seat in south Kolkata that goes to polls in the second phase on April 29.

It is understood that the ED is probing if Kumar had any financial transactions with businessman Amit Gangopadhyay, whose property was recently searched by it. PTI NES KVK KVK

Money laundering probe leads to searches, cash seizure and firearm recovery in Kolkata-linked premises. Money laundering investigation under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act led to searches at multiple premises in Kolkata linked to an alleged criminal syndicate, including the residence and commercial premises of an accused history-sheeter, a business entity, and associated persons. During the raids, the Enforcement Directorate seized about Rs 1.2 crore cash from a location linked to one associate and recovered a country-made pistol from the accused's premises.