Birbhum: Rs 50 Crore in Assets Seized from Stone Trader's Premises, Including Rs 28.5 Crore Cash and 15 Kg Gold

Massive Haul in Birbhum Raid

In a significant operation in West Bengal's Birbhum district, police have seized approximately Rs 28.5 crore in cash and 15 kilograms of gold from premises allegedly linked to a stone trader's network. The total value of the seized cash and gold is estimated to be around Rs 50 crore, making it one of the largest illegal asset seizures in the state in recent years.

Key Figure Arrested, Main Trader on the Run

The police have arrested Minar Mandal, the manager and close relative of the main trader, Tullu Mandal alias Mohammad Najibuddin, who is currently absconding. Birbhum Superintendent of Police V.R. Bhundesh stated that the raid was conducted on Minar Mandal's two-storey house in Deucha village, Mohammadbazar police station area, on Wednesday.

Record Cash and Gold Recovery

Initial searches yielded around Rs 20 crore in cash by evening, but the total climbed to over Rs 28.5 crore after an overnight operation. According to police, 14 gold bars weighing one kilogram each and 10 gold biscuits weighing 100 grams each were also recovered from Minar Mandal's residence. The gold alone is valued at approximately Rs 21.5 crore at current market rates.

Challenges in Counting and Securing Assets

The sheer volume of cash seized surprised the police, necessitating the use of multiple currency counting machines, five of which malfunctioned during the process. Special arrangements were required to transport the substantial amount of cash and valuable gold to a secure location, with reports indicating the need for large iron boxes to store the gold.

Investigation Intensifies, Trader's Residence Searched

Minar Mandal and his son were taken into custody during Wednesday's raid and Minar Mandal was formally arrested on Thursday morning. Investigators are conducting an intensive interrogation to ascertain the source of the recovered cash and gold, exploring possibilities of links to illegal mining, hawala transactions, or other economic offenses. Meanwhile, a search operation has also commenced at the residence of the absconding main trader, Tullu Mandal, who has reportedly been on the run since the assembly election results in May 2026.

Tullu Mandal's Alleged Influence and Past Cases

Tullu Mandal is alleged to have significant influence in the stone mining and concrete construction business in Birbhum district. His name has previously surfaced during investigations into coal and cattle smuggling cases. The agencies are working to uncover the origin of the substantial wealth and identify all individuals involved.

Further Revelations Expected as Investigation Continues

Authorities anticipate significant revelations following the interrogation of Minar Mandal and the examination of seized documents. The police and other investigative agencies are scrutinizing the case from multiple angles, and efforts to apprehend Tullu Mandal are ongoing. This action is considered a crucial step towards curbing illegal financial activities and crime in Birbhum.