Kolkata: In one of the biggest cash seizures in recent months, police in West Bengal’s Birbhum district recovered more than ₹28.5 crore in cash and 15 kilograms of gold, valued at around ₹21.5 crore, during a raid at the residence of Minar Mondal, a former state transport driver.
The raid was conducted by a large police team in the Mohammad Bazar police station area following intelligence inputs. Initially, officers recovered around ₹5.5 crore, but as the search continued through the night and into Thursday morning, the total cash haul exceeded ₹28.5 crore. Multiple currency-counting machines were reportedly used to count the cash due to the enormous volume.
Police also seized 15 kilograms of gold bars and ornaments from the premises. Minar Mondal was arrested, and investigators have launched a detailed probe to determine the source of the cash and gold and whether they are linked to illegal financial activities.
According to investigators, Mondal, who previously worked as a government bus driver, later entered the sand and stone quarry business. Police are examining his alleged links to an illegal mining and syndicate network reportedly associated with Tulu Mondal, an alleged sand and stone mafia operator. Authorities are also investigating possible financial transactions and assets connected to the operation.
Officials said the investigation is focused on identifying the origin of the seized money, tracing money trails, and determining whether the assets were accumulated through illegal quarrying and other unlawful activities.
Some media reports have also linked the case to political figures in the region. However, these allegations remain under investigation, and no court has established criminal liability in connection with the political claims.
