Bengal Police raid in Birbhum has led to the recovery of around 15 kg of gold biscuits and nearly Rs 20 crore in cash from a house in the Deucha area of West Bengal’s Birbhum district, according to police sources. The seizure was made during an investigation into alleged financial irregularities linked to the stone trade.
The cash was reportedly packed in around 35 sacks, requiring five cash-counting machines and five large tin trunks as police began processing the huge recovery. The operation was carried out late Tuesday following a tip-off received by the police.
Birbhum Police Raid Recovers Gold and Cash
Birbhum police raid teams searched the house of Minar Mondal, a former government bus driver and the brother-in-law of influential stone trader Tulu Mondal. Police said the search resulted in the recovery of approximately 15 kg of gold biscuits and nearly Rs 20 crore in cash.
The authorities brought five cash-counting machines to the location to process the recovered money. Five heavy tin trunks were also brought in to store the cash. Police officials said the counting process was underway as they continued examining the material recovered from the premises.
A police officer said the operation was based on secret information and was part of a wider investigation into alleged financial irregularities connected with the stone trade in the region.
Bengal Police Investigate Source of Rs 20 Crore Cash
West Bengal Police investigation teams are now examining the source of the cash and gold recovered during the raid. Officials are also looking into whether the seized assets are connected with alleged financial irregularities in the stone business.
The police have not yet established through the investigation that the recovered money and gold were obtained through illegal activities. The allegations remain under investigation, and further action will depend on the evidence gathered by the authorities.
The seizure has nevertheless drawn significant attention because of the sheer quantity of cash and gold reportedly found at a relatively modest residential property.
Tulu Mondal’s Stone Trade Operations Under Scanner
Tulu Mondal stone trade investigation is at the centre of the police action. According to police officials, an agency associated with Mondal was responsible for collecting revenue at entry gates to six stone industrial clusters spread across three districts of West Bengal.
Officials have alleged that around Rs 83 crore was expected to be collected every month through these operations. However, only approximately Rs 2 crore to Rs 5 crore was allegedly deposited into the government treasury, with the remaining amount suspected of being siphoned off.
These claims have not yet been conclusively established. Police are investigating the alleged financial discrepancies and examining relevant records and transactions as part of the probe.
Police Examine Financial Irregularities Linked to Stone Trade
Birbhum stone trade investigation authorities are examining the financial trail associated with the alleged irregularities. Investigators are expected to establish the source and intended use of the cash and gold recovered from Minar Mondal’s residence.
The probe could also examine the relationship between the seized assets and the operations of the stone industrial clusters. The authorities are expected to scrutinise financial documents, transactions and other evidence that may help establish whether the recovered assets have any connection with the alleged collection and deposit discrepancies.
West Bengal Political Reaction to Police Raid
West Bengal raid developments also triggered a political reaction. Earlier on Wednesday, BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari said the operation had uncovered what he described as a substantial amount of allegedly illegally accumulated wealth.
Adhikari said in a post on X that the state’s campaign against corruption would continue under a “Zero Tolerance Policy against Corruption”. He also said that people who allegedly accumulated wealth through the exploitation of public resources and links with the former ruling political establishment would not be spared.
He described the police operation as part of a wider crackdown on alleged mafia networks and said vigilance and strict action would continue. His comments came as investigators were still processing the cash and assessing the gold recovered during the operation.
Who Is Minar Mondal?
Minar Mondal, whose house was searched during the operation, is described by police sources as a former government bus driver. He is also the brother-in-law of stone trader Tulu Mondal, whose business activities are being examined as part of the investigation.
The recovery from Mondal’s residence has raised questions about the origin of the assets. However, the police investigation is still ongoing, and the seizure itself does not establish criminal liability. Authorities will have to determine the ownership and source of the recovered cash and gold through the investigation.
Five Machines Used to Count Seized Cash
Rs 20 crore cash seizure in Birbhum required extensive arrangements from the police. Officials reportedly brought five cash-counting machines to the premises because of the volume of currency recovered.
Five large tin trunks were also brought to store the cash while the counting process was conducted. The money was reportedly kept in approximately 35 sacks, adding to the scale of the recovery.
The police continued counting and documenting the seized cash while simultaneously investigating the gold biscuits recovered from the property.
Investigation Into Gold and Cash Recovery Continues
Birbhum gold and cash seizure is now part of an ongoing investigation into alleged financial irregularities associated with the stone trade. Police are examining the source of the recovered assets and their possible links to the wider financial investigation.
The authorities are also expected to establish whether the recovered cash and gold belong to the occupants of the property or were being held on behalf of other individuals or entities. The findings of the investigation will determine whether further legal action is warranted.
The case has also highlighted the scale of alleged financial transactions surrounding the stone industry in parts of West Bengal. However, all allegations remain subject to investigation and verification by the authorities.
What Happens Next in the Birbhum Case?
Birbhum police investigation will now focus on tracing the source of the recovered assets and establishing the financial trail behind the cash and gold. Investigators are likely to examine financial records, business transactions and other relevant evidence connected with the stone trade operations under scrutiny.
Police will also determine whether the alleged discrepancy between the expected monthly revenue collection and the amount deposited into the government treasury can be substantiated through documentary and financial evidence.
For now, the recovery of around 15 kg of gold biscuits and nearly Rs 20 crore in cash represents a major development in the investigation. The final findings will depend on the evidence collected and the conclusions reached by the investigating authorities.
