A former bus driver from West Bengal is now at the centre of a political controversy after police recovered crores of rupees in cash and gold from a property linked to him.
Tulu Mondal, who later became associated with the stone business in Birbhum, made headlines after the seizure.
But who is Tulu Mondal, what was recovered during the raid, and why has the case triggered a political debate involving the BJP and Trinamool Congress?
Here is what we know so far.
What Happened In Birbhum’s Deucha Village?
The incident took place in Deucha village of Birbhum district, West Bengal.
Birbhum Police conducted a search at a property linked to Tulu Mondal.
During the raid, officials reportedly recovered a large amount of cash and gold.
According to reports, police recovered more than Rs. 28 crore in cash. Gold valued at around Rs. 21.5 crore was also found during the search.
Officials reportedly found cash stored inside trunks along with gold bars and biscuits.
The scale of the recovery quickly drew attention and led to political reactions across the state.
Who Is Tulu Mondal?
Tulu Mondal is a Birbhum-based businessman who earlier worked as a bus driver before entering the stone trade.
Over time, he became associated with the local stone business in the region.
His name had earlier appeared in reports linked to investigations involving former Trinamool Congress Birbhum district president Anubrata Mondal.
Anubrata Mondal was arrested by the CBI in 2022 in connection with an alleged cattle smuggling case.
However, the latest raid is focused on the assets recovered from Tulu Mondal’s property. Authorities are investigating the source and ownership of the cash and gold.
What Was Found During The Raid?
The search operation reportedly led to the recovery of:
More than Rs. 28 crore in cash
Gold valued at around Rs. 21.5 crore
Gold bars and biscuits
Cash stored inside trunks
The recovered cash and gold are now being verified by authorities.
Investigators are examining documents, financial records and other details to establish the source of the assets.
How Did Authorities Reach Tulu Mondal?
The raid was conducted as part of an investigation into alleged financial irregularities.
Birbhum has a significant stone trade network, and authorities have previously examined financial dealings linked to businesses in the region.
During the search, officials recovered cash and gold from a property linked to Tulu Mondal.
Authorities are now looking into business records, financial transactions and property documents connected to the recovered assets.
What Is The Government’s Response?
The seizure soon became a political issue after BJP leader and West Bengal Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari shared visuals of the recovered cash and gold on X.
Commendable job by our Law Enforcement personnel for the crackdown on Sand Mafia.
— Suvendu Adhikari (@SuvenduWB) July 29, 2026
Following a precise operation based on source based information, Birbhum Police conducted a major raid under Mohammad Bazar PS targeting the hideout of illegal sand mafia Tullu Mondal alias Mohd… pic.twitter.com/Ln4XJCWKKY
Adhikari questioned the source of the wealth and targeted the Trinamool Congress over corruption allegations.
He also highlighted Tulu Mondal’s reported past association with Anubrata Mondal.
The BJP used the seizure to attack the state government, while the Trinamool Congress questioned the political allegations and called for the investigation to follow due process.
The claims made by political parties remain allegations. The ongoing investigation will determine whether any financial violation took place.
What Legal Action Is Being Taken?
Authorities are currently verifying the source and ownership of the recovered assets.
Investigators are examining:
Income records
Business transactions
Property documents
Financial links connected to the assets
Further action will depend on the findings of the investigation.
At present, no court has established that the recovered cash and gold were acquired through illegal means.
Why The Tulu Mondal Raid Matters
The Birbhum cash seizure has brought attention to questions around unexplained wealth, local business networks and political allegations.
For investigators, the main question is the source of the recovered assets.
For political parties, the seizure has become another issue in West Bengal’s ongoing political battles.
The investigation will now determine the ownership and origin of the cash and gold recovered from the property.
TL;DR | News At Glance
What happened?
Police recovered more than Rs. 28 crore cash and gold valued at around Rs. 21.5 crore from a property linked to Tulu Mondal in Birbhum.
Who is Tulu Mondal?
He is a former bus driver who later became associated with the stone business.
Why is he in the news?
A raid at his property led to the recovery of a large amount of cash and gold.
What was his connection with Anubrata Mondal?
His name had earlier appeared in reports related to investigations involving former TMC leader Anubrata Mondal.
What happens next?
Authorities will investigate the source and ownership of the recovered assets.
