West Bengal chief reveals Tulu Mondal's Rs 150 crore asset trove and links to former CM

Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced that the Birbhum-based illegal stone miner Tulu Mondal owns assets exceeding Rs 150 crore, including cash, gold, 242 vehicles, two fuel stations, seven residences and a farmhouse. He asserted that former chief minister Mamata Banerjee’s backing was essential for the growth of Mondal’s empire, which he said cost the state nearly Rs 15,000 crore in lost revenue over the past 15 years.

The government has recovered Rs 28.5 crore in cash and the remainder in gold, seized Rs 93 crore in linked bank accounts, and confiscated a large number of vehicles, dumpers and trucks. Police also recovered currency-counting machines, computers, pen drives and alleged fake delivery slips. Legal action is underway to seize 21 properties covering almost 300 bighas, including quarries and crushers.

Minar Mondal, Tulu’s brother-in-law, has been arrested, while five others, including accountants Pinaki De and Rakibul Islam and petrol-pump manager Kausar, are being questioned. Investigations by CID, STF and central agencies are examining possible money-laundering abroad.