Kolkata, Jul 30: In one of the biggest recoveries of suspected unaccounted wealth in recent years, Birbhum Police on Wednesday seized gold worth nearly ₹21.5 crore and cash exceeding ₹28.5 crore during a raid at the residence of a retired government bus driver in Deucha village, West Bengal.
The operation, carried out at the two-storey home of retired driver Minar Mondal, continued throughout the day as officials counted stacks of currency notes using multiple cash-counting machines. By late evening, authorities confirmed that the recovered cash had crossed ₹28.5 crore, while gold bars and biscuits valued at around ₹21.5 crore were also seized.
Police Launch Detailed Investigation
Following the recovery, investigators questioned Minar Mondal and his son to determine the source of the massive wealth and whether similar assets had been concealed at other locations.
Senior police officers, including Additional Superintendent of Police Nilesh Gaikwad and DSP (Law and Order) Kunal Mukherjee, supervised the extensive search operation. The area surrounding the property was sealed off to facilitate the investigation without disruption.
Officials also used specialised weighing equipment to verify the quantity and value of the recovered gold.
Probe Turns Towards Stone Mining Operations
Investigators are examining possible links between the recovered assets and the stone mining industry in Birbhum district.
According to officials, Minar Mondal is a relative of influential stone trader Tulu Mondal. After retiring from government service, he was reportedly entrusted with responsibilities related to collecting revenue from trucks transporting stones through one of the toll gates in the Deucha quarry belt.
Authorities suspect that funds intended for official revenue collection may have been diverted over a prolonged period. Financial records and business transactions connected to the mining network are now under scrutiny.
Police are also attempting to identify whether the recovered cash represents proceeds from illegal mining activities or other financial irregularities.
Background of the Investigation
Tulu Mondal has remained under the scanner of investigative agencies for several years. He has previously faced allegations relating to illegal stone quarry operations and was also named in investigations connected with cattle smuggling.
The Enforcement Directorate had conducted searches at his residence and office in 2022. Shortly after those raids, district police arrested him in a murder case. Although he later secured bail, reports suggest he has remained away from public view following the declaration of the recent Assembly election results.
The businessman had earlier attracted public attention for hosting an extravagant wedding reception for his daughter in 2024, where the venue reportedly replicated the architecture of Udaipur’s Taj Lake Palace.
Political Reactions Follow the Seizure
The massive recovery quickly triggered political reactions across the state.
Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari praised the police action, describing the operation as a significant step against illegal mining networks. In a post on social media platform X, he commended the Birbhum Police and senior officers for conducting the successful raid and reiterated that individuals who accumulated wealth through unlawful means would face strict legal action.
He also congratulated the Director General of Police, the Birbhum Superintendent of Police and the district police team for carrying out the operation.
Meanwhile, Trinamool Congress spokesperson Kunal Ghosh welcomed the action against those allegedly involved but urged authorities to broaden the investigation. He said law enforcement agencies should identify everyone who may have provided protection to individuals involved in illegal activities and examine whether others also benefited financially.
Financial Trail Under Examination
Police have begun analysing documents, financial records and property-related evidence recovered during the searches. Investigators are expected to coordinate with financial intelligence agencies to trace the origin of the seized cash and gold and determine whether money laundering or other economic offences are involved.
Officials indicated that additional searches could be conducted if fresh leads emerge during the investigation.
The recovery has become one of the largest cash-and-gold seizures reported in West Bengal this year, with authorities continuing efforts to uncover the full extent of the alleged financial network behind the haul.