Bengal police seize Rs 20 crore cash, 15 kg gold in major sand mafia crackdown

The operation comes as the West Bengal government intensifies its campaign against illegal sand mining and seeks to curb revenue losses linked to the unauthorised extraction of sand and other minor minerals.

The raid was carried out by Birbhum Police under the jurisdiction of Mohammad Bazar Police Station following what officials described as source-based intelligence.

According to a statement shared by Suvendu Adhikari on X, police initially recovered Rs 5.5 crore in cash, while the counting process continued.

He later stated that the total recovery had crossed Rs 20 crore.

Around 15 kg of gold was also seized during the operation.

“Commendable job by our Law Enforcement personnel for the crackdown on Sand Mafia. 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 Nazibuddin,” he posted on X.

“The operation has uncovered staggering amounts of illegally amassed wealth: Cash Recovered So Far: Rs 5.5 crore with counting still ongoing. Gold Recovered: 15 kg,” he added.

Govt reiterates crackdown on illegal mining

The state government has stepped up efforts to prevent revenue losses arising from illegal extraction of sand, stone and other minor minerals.

According to the government, action has been initiated to tighten oversight of mining activities and dismantle networks allegedly involved in illegal sand extraction.

Commenting on the operation, Adhikari said those who had amassed wealth through the illegal exploitation of public resources would face legal action.

“No person with a chequered past who has amassed wealth through the exploitation of public resources and hobnobbing with the then ruling political party will be spared,” he said.

“Public wealth belongs to the people, and those who loot it will face the full might of the law. Vigilance and uncompromising action will continue. Crackdown on mafia syndicates will go on,” he added.

Officials said Minar Mondal, a relative of Tullu Mondal, was closely associated with the alleged sand mining network.

Birbhum police recovered about Rs 20 crore in cash in the raid. Photo: X/@SuvenduWB

According to locals, Minar Mondal worked with Tullu Mondal and managed several of his operations.

Police have not yet announced whether any arrests were made during the raid or disclosed additional details about the investigation.

The chief minister also praised the West Bengal Director General of Police, the Superintendent of Police of Birbhum and the district police personnel involved in the operation.

“I deeply appreciate the @WBPolice DGP, SP @BirbhumPolice and the Birbhum District Police Personnel involved in this operation for their swift, professional and decisive action,” he wrote.

He added that the state government's anti-corruption campaign would continue.

“West Bengal Govt's ongoing drive against the corrupt will go on with 'Zero Tolerance Policy against Corruption' as our guiding principle,” he said.

The investigation into the alleged illegal sand mining network is continuing, while officials are completing the counting of the seized cash and examining the recovered assets.