Kolkata, July 30: Police have seized around ₹28 crore in cash and 15 kilograms of gold from the residence of a retired bus driver in West Bengal’s Birbhum district, triggering a major investigation into the source of the assets.
Officials said the cash recovery was so large that several currency counting machines reportedly malfunctioned during the counting process.
According to police, the accused, Meenar Mondal, is a retired employee of the state transport department and a relative of stone trader Tulu Mondal, who is reported to have links with former Trinamool Congress leader Anubrata Mondal.
Acting on specific information about alleged illegal activities, police conducted searches at the residence. They initially recovered ₹5.5 crore in cash and 15 kilograms of gold. Further searches increased the total cash seizure to around ₹28 crore.
Police arrested Meenar Mondal in connection with the case. During the investigation, officials reportedly found indications that the seized cash and gold may be linked to Tulu Mondal and alleged illegal activities. However, authorities have not officially confirmed the ownership of the assets.
Investigators are examining possible links to illegal financial transactions and alleged sand and stone mining operations.
Police said Meenar Mondal entered the business sector after retiring from government service. Officials are now investigating how he accumulated assets of such a large value.
The seizure has sparked political reactions in West Bengal, with rival parties demanding a comprehensive investigation into the source of the recovered cash and gold and the possible involvement of others.
