Kolkata, 05 August (H.S.) : The West Bengal Police's Special Task Force (STF) on Wednesday conducted searches at the residences of relatives of Birbhum stone trader Tulu Mondal as part of its ongoing investigation into alleged financial irregularities and undisclosed assets.

According to sources, STF personnel raided the house of Mondal's brother-in-law Mintu Sheikh alias Mohammad Samsul Alam on Wednesday morning. Another search was also carried out at the residence of another brother-in-law, Nurul Islam.

Investigators said Mintu Sheikh was not present when the STF team arrived. Despite waiting for a considerable time, officials were unable to locate him and proceeded with the search in his absence. Family members present at the house were also questioned during the operation.

Speaking after the search, Nurul Islam claimed that the STF did not seize anything from his residence. There is nothing in our house. What would they find? he said.

The searches are part of the investigation launched after the recovery of cash and gold worth crores of rupees from the residence of Mondal's cousin-brother-in-law, Minar Mondal. Investigators suspect that Tulu Mondal amassed substantial assets by allegedly evading government dues. Searches have also been conducted at his residence in Subhashpally, Suri, while officials are trying to trace other locations where money or valuables may have been concealed.

Police have so far arrested four persons in connection with the case. Birbhum Superintendent of Police Vidit Raj Bundesh said assets worth around ₹220 crore linked to Tulu Mondal have been frozen so far. The amount includes cash and gold worth nearly ₹50 crore recovered from Minar Mondal's residence. Tulu Mondal, however, remains absconding, and efforts are continuing to trace him.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh