A high-profile investigation in West Bengal's Birbhum district led to a staggering discovery when law enforcement agencies searched a residential property and recovered massive quantities of bullion and cash instead of household items inside wardrobes. The raid, conducted at a residence in Moral Para, Sonshal, under the jurisdiction of the Mohammad Bazar Police Station, yielded approximately 15 kilograms of gold valued at nearly Rs 28.5 crore, along with substantial cash reserves. Following the operation, police arrested the property owner Minar Mondal, while launching a massive manhunt for the primary suspect, prominent local stone businessman Tulu Mondal alias Sheikh Najimuddin, who fled the scene.
Wardrobes Packed With Gold Bars and Bundles of Currency
When investigating officers entered the residence in Sonshal, they were confronted with wardrobes stuffed with cash and gold bricks rather than everyday clothing across multiple rooms. Initial inventory counts confirmed the recovery of 15 kilograms of gold alongside currency notes, bringing the total estimated value of the seizure to approximately Rs 28.5 crore. The discovery of such an immense volume of wealth hidden in a residential home transformed the scope of the police inquiry. Investigators are now focused on determining whether this stash represented the personal assets of a single operator or served as a central vault for an organized illicit syndicate that had been operating in the region for years.
From Lorry Loader to Multi-Millionaire Stone Tycoon
The rise of Tulu Mondal, a resident of Moral Para in Sonshal under Mohammad Bazar Police Station, resembles a dramatic transformation over a single decade. Ten years ago, Tulu Mondal and his brother earned a modest living transporting stones in commercial lorries. They subsequently purchased a shared dumper truck to expand their independent delivery operations. A significant turning point occurred after his marriage to a tribal woman, which allowed him to begin extracting stone from land registered in her name. As his mining activities expanded, Tulu Mondal accumulated substantial wealth, eventually establishing ownership over multiple lucrative stone quarries across Birbhum district.
Political Ties with Trinamool Congress and Toll Collection Control
According to local accounts and preliminary police findings, Tulu Mondal began aligning himself with the Trinamool Congress around 2014-2015. Over time, he cultivated close relationships with influential figures in the ruling party, most notably developing strong ties with Sehgal Hossain, who was widely known as the personal security guard of senior leader Anubrata Mondal. Leveraging his political proximity, Tulu Mondal secured control over the Daily Collection Register (DCR) operations across district stone quarries, an operation that quickly generated widespread allegations of financial fraud. Furthermore, he acquired control over several government toll collection gates in the district, which yielded lakhs of rupees in daily cash revenues and cemented his position as a dominant player in the regional stone industry.
Extravagant 100-Crore Daughter's Wedding Attended by Celebrities
Tulu Mondal's lavish lifestyle and immense wealth became a topic of intense public attention during his daughter's wedding in 2024. Allegations surfaced that he spent approximately Rs 100 crore on the extravagant nuptials. The high-profile event featured numerous celebrity guests brought in from Mumbai and Kolkata. Bollywood figures in attendance included actors Arbaaz Khan, Zareen Khan, Aftab Shivdasani, and veteran comedian Asrani, alongside Tollywood actor Ankush Hazra and actress Darshana Banik. The staggering expenditure on the wedding drew immediate attention from central enforcement agencies, placing his financial dealings under close scrutiny.
Criminal History, ED Audits, and Prior Cash Seizures
Tulu Mondal carries an extensive law enforcement record. In 2022, he was arrested in connection with a murder case and spent approximately one month in prison before obtaining release. Police records indicate that 6 to 7 criminal cases remain registered against him. He has also faced serious allegations regarding illegal stone quarrying and involvement in cattle smuggling networks. In 2022, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) raided his residence and office premises. Investigating authorities also uncovered evidence that Tulu Mondal established multiple shell companies under the names of his wife and daughter to route illicit transactions. Additionally, his name surfaced during an investigation into the recovery of nearly Rs 5 crore in cash from Newtown ahead of the 2026 assembly elections.
Key Questions Facing Investigators as Manhunt Continues
The seizure of 15 kilograms of gold and Rs 28.5 crore in assets from the Birbhum residence has shifted the police and ED investigation into high gear. The central question before law enforcement is whether the stash represents individual holdings or a collective safehouse used by an expansive regional syndicate. Police are subjecting the arrested home owner, Minar Mondal, to detailed interrogation to trace the precise origin and destination of the gold and cash. Simultaneously, specialized police units are conducting raids to track down the absconding Tulu Mondal. Investigators believe his eventual arrest could expose complex layers of illegal quarrying, toll fraud, and money laundering operating within the district.
