Kolkata, Aug 31 (IANS) Police have detained three people, including relatives of Birbhum’s absconding stone quarry owner Tulu Mondal, after recovering a large amount of foreign currency and cash from their car. An official said that based on the information, a raid was also conducted at Tulu’s in‑laws’ house on Monday.
Tulu remains absconding. A case has been filed against him on charges including possession of unaccounted money, recovery of a large quantity of gold from a relative’s house and organised crime. Police have already arrested several of his relatives and acquaintances. His name surfaced again on Monday following an incident in Bolpur.
According to police sources, a raid was conducted on Mahidapur Road in Bolpur after a tip‑off. A four‑wheeler was stopped and searched, leading to the recovery of cash and foreign currency. A police officer said West Asian currencies were found, though the total amount is yet to be confirmed.
There were three people in the car, including Shanto Sheikh, brother‑in‑law of Tulu’s brother‑in‑law Mintu Sheikh. Police suspect the recovered money belongs to Tulu’s relative, linking him again to the case.
Investigators are probing the source and destination of the money. Meanwhile, a police team has gone to Parui in Birbhum to raid Tulu’s in‑laws’ house.
It may be noted that Tulu had approached the Calcutta High Court seeking protection in the investigation, but the plea was dismissed by Justice Saugata Bhattacharyya’s bench, which refused to interfere in the probe. Following this, police expanded the scope of the investigation. A ‘Red Corner’ notice has already been issued against him.
Recently, police recovered Rs 28.5 crore in cash and about 15 kg of gold from the house of Tulu’s relative Minar Mondal in Deucha village under Mohammadbazar police station in Birbhum. Since then, investigators have intensified raids at multiple addresses linked to him.
--IANS
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