Kolkata, July 30, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
A major police operation in West Bengal’s Birbhum district has led to the seizure of more than ₹28 crore in cash and 15 kilograms of gold from the residence of Minar Mondal, a relative of influential stone quarry owner Tulu Mondal. Minar Mondal was arrested on Thursday following nearly 24 hours of raids, searches and questioning.
Police officials said the operation began on Wednesday afternoon and continued through the night. Due to the large quantity of currency recovered, investigators brought currency-counting machines from a nearby bank branch to verify the amount. The cash seizure was estimated at slightly over ₹28 crore.
In addition to the cash, police recovered around 15 kg of gold, estimated to be worth more than ₹21 crore. The combined value of the seized cash and gold is estimated at nearly ₹50 crore.
After completing the search, officers transported the seized valuables in trunks to the police station before formally arresting Minar Mondal. He is scheduled to be produced before a court in Suri, where investigators will seek his police custody.
Birbhum Superintendent of Police Bidit Raj Bundesh said that during questioning, Minar initially declined to explain the source of the recovered assets. However, he later allegedly admitted that the cash and gold were linked to a syndicated criminal racket.
According to police, the breakthrough came after seven alleged dacoits were arrested earlier this week by Mohammad Bazar Police Station. Information gathered during their interrogation reportedly led investigators to Minar Mondal’s residence, triggering the extensive search operation.
Police sources said Minar had earlier worked as a driver with the state-run transport corporation but was locally known for his association with Tulu Mondal’s stone quarry business. Tulu Mondal has previously faced allegations related to illegal stone mining, and his name had also surfaced during investigations into the cattle smuggling case. The Enforcement Directorate had conducted searches at his premises in 2022.
Investigators are now examining whether the cash and gold recovered from Minar Mondal’s residence were linked to or owned by Tulu Mondal. The investigation is continuing.
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