Kolkata, 04 September (H.S.): The Birbhum district police have intensified their investigation into the alleged unaccounted assets of suspected sand mafia operative Tulu Mondal. On Thursday night, police officers raided another house linked to Mondal in Suri.

According to local sources, the house belongs to Tulu Mondal and is occupied by one of his managers. Police sources said the raid was conducted in search of a young man identified as Chhotan, who is believed to be associated with Mondal.

Mondal remains untraced. Several cases have been registered against him in connection with alleged possession of unaccounted assets and organised criminal activities in Birbhum. Police have already arrested several of his relatives and associates in connection with the investigation.

Recently, police recovered Rs 28.5 crore in cash and around 15 kg of gold from the residence of Mondal’s relative, Minar Mondal, at Deucha village under the Mohammad Bazar police station area. Minar was arrested, while Tulu remained out of the police’s reach. Investigators have also seized several properties allegedly linked to him.

Anticipating arrest, Mondal had earlier approached the Calcutta High Court seeking protection. He subsequently challenged the arrest warrant and also raised objections to the process of property seizure. However, Justice Kaushik Chanda recused himself from hearing the matter as a related case was pending before another bench.

An arrest warrant has been issued against Mondal, while an Interpol Red Corner Notice has also reportedly been issued against him. The Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate’s Court in Suri had directed him to appear before it and warned that failure to do so within the stipulated period could lead to him being declared a proclaimed offender.

Mondal had sought relief from arrest, but the High Court rejected his plea seeking protection. The latest raid is part of the police investigation aimed at tracing him and identifying properties and assets allegedly linked to him.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh