Kolkata, 04 August (H.S.) : As the investigation into the alleged illegal stone mining and smuggling network linked to businessman Tulu Mondal gathers pace, Birbhum Police on Monday attached two sub-inspectors of Mohammad Bazar Police Station to the district police lines over allegations of their proximity to the accused.

The officers, identified as Sanaur Hossain and Abdul Alim, have been moved to the police lines pending further inquiry. The action comes amid allegations that sections of the police had facilitated the illegal mining and transportation racket.

According to sources within the police, the two officers were considered part of Tulu Mondal's close circle. They are alleged to have handled complaints lodged against the businessman, including accusations of forcible land grabbing and other criminal activities. Sources further claimed that they acted as intermediaries on Mondal's behalf and allegedly coordinated the distribution of illegal payments to senior officials. These allegations are under investigation and have not been independently verified.

Investigators believe the alleged illegal operation could not have flourished without support from certain members of the police and administrative machinery. Officials, however, said the inquiry is continuing to determine the extent of any institutional involvement.

The development follows the arrest of Sitesh Pramanik, Tulu Mondal's business manager, on Sunday night. During interrogation, police reportedly recovered a diary containing the names of several officials, political leaders and bureaucrats, which is now being examined as part of the investigation.

In a separate incident, unidentified assailants opened fire in Nalhati on Sunday night, allegedly targeting explosives supplier Shahe Alam and two of his associates. Police said 11 rounds were fired, leaving all three injured, with two of them stated to be in critical condition. Investigators are examining whether the shooting has any connection with Tulu Mondal's alleged business network.

Addressing a press conference on Monday night, Birbhum Superintendent of Police Vidit Raj Bhundesh said assets worth approximately ₹220 crore linked to Tulu Mondal had been seized or frozen so far. The recovered assets include cash, gold, land holdings and funds in bank accounts.

Police have so far arrested Mondal's relative Minar Mondal and business manager Sitesh Pramanik. On July 29, officials recovered ₹28.5 crore in cash and 15 kilograms of gold from Minar Mondal's residence. Investigators said Pramanik's name surfaced during Minar's interrogation.

Police claimed Pramanik was responsible for maintaining accounts of stone quarries and crusher supply operations in Pachami and Deucha. A local court on Monday remanded him to seven days of police custody for further interrogation.

Investigators also said the questioning of the two accused led to the recovery of an illegal printing machine from one of Tulu Mondal's warehouses. According to police, the machine was used to print wristbands for Tulu Mondal's daughter's wedding. Investigators are now examining whether the same machine was also used to print forged DCR (Duplicate Carbon Receipt) documents used in the alleged illegal transportation of stone. Forensic experts are expected to examine the machine as part of the ongoing probe.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh