State Bureau, Kolkata | A police raid late Tuesday night in the Mohammadbazar area of Birbhum resulted in the seizure of crores in cash and a large quantity of gold from the home of a government bus driver.
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, speaking about the raid on Wednesday, said that approximately 15 kg of gold was recovered from the home. Police surrounded Minar Mandal's home in the Deucha area of Mohammadbazar and launched a search operation.
Five Currency Counting Machines Brought
The operation, which began late last night, reportedly continued in the morning. According to sources, several bundles of currency notes were found in the home. Five currency counting machines were called in to count the cash. Large trunks were also brought in to transport the recovered money.
Accused's Link With Stone Trade
The government bus driver is also claimed to have links with the stone trade. According to local sources, Minar Mandal is a government bus driver and is also involved in the stone trade. It is claimed that he was also involved in several stone quarries owned by Tulu Mandal, a prominent stone merchant in Birbhum. However, the source of the seized cash and gold, and whether they are linked to any illegal activity, is not yet clear.
Tulu Mandal was once considered close to Anubrata Mandal, an influential leader in the then-Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's government. Tulu has also been accused of running illegal stone quarries and has also been implicated in a cattle smuggling case.
In 2022, the Enforcement Directorate conducted searches at his home and office. However, it has not yet been confirmed whether the property recovered from Minar Mandal's home this time has any connection to Tulu Mandal.
Chief Minister Adhikari's Reaction
CM Adhikari said that the government's zero-tolerance policy against corruption will continue. He warned that those who amass wealth through alleged looting of government property or public funds, and those who acquire wealth through illegal means, will not be spared. He said that action will also be taken against those who amass wealth through collusion with those in power.
BJP Demands Thorough Investigation
The BJP also demanded a thorough investigation into the matter. Sainthia BJP MLA Krishnakant Saha said after the state's power transition, action is being taken to eliminate theft, loot, and syndicate rule. He said that money recovered from corrupt people should be used for the public good.