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Police recovered more than ₹28.50 crore in unaccounted cash and around 15 kilograms of gold bars during a raid at the residence of Minar Mandal, the brother-in-law of alleged illegal stone mining operator Tulu Mandal, in Birbhum. The search, conducted by a team from Mohammadbazar Police Station, continued for nearly two days. During interrogation, Minar Mandal allegedly told investigators that the seized cash and gold belonged to Tulu Mandal. The court subsequently remanded Minar Mandal to eight days of police custody, while five people have been detained in connection with the investigation so far.
According to investigators, the probe has resulted in the seizure of 242 vehicles, two petrol pumps and 21 high-value immovable properties allegedly linked to Tulu Mandal. Police alleged that Tulu Mandal had built an extensive network through illegal stone mining and revenue evasion in Birbhum. Investigators are also examining the role of his relatives in the alleged operation. Wasim Sheikh, identified as Tulu Mandal's nephew and a stone trader, was arrested in Darjeeling while allegedly attempting to flee the country.
Under the supervision of the District Superintendent of Police, search operations were conducted at the premises of Tulu Mandal's elder brother Masir Mandal, petrol pump manager Khudabakhsh, former Mohammadbazar Panchayat Samiti Chairperson Shampa Mahara, and stone trade associates Sartaj Molla and Apel Murtuza. Investigators are examining the seized financial records, bank accounts and property documents as part of the ongoing investigation into the alleged illegal mining and financial network.