West Bengal

IIE DIGITAL DESK ; Birbhum, August 4: The police investigation into the high-profile case linked to Birbhum stone trader Tulu Mondal has intensified, with the district police claiming that cash and properties worth approximately Rs 220 crore have so far been frozen in connection with the case. The arrest of Sitesh Pramanik, who worked as a manager for Tulu Mondal’s business, has reportedly opened up several new leads, including the recovery of a diary containing the names of several administrative officials.

According to police sources, Sitesh Pramanik was arrested late on Sunday night after investigators received information from confidential sources. He was produced before the Suri court on Monday, following which the court granted the police seven days of custody for interrogation. Investigators are now questioning him about the alleged business network, financial transactions and the activities connected with the stone trade.

Government lawyer Bibhas Chattopadhyay said on Tuesday morning that a diary had been recovered from Sitesh during interrogation. The diary allegedly contains the names of several administrative officials. Investigators are examining whether the names recorded in the diary indicate any links between government officials and the alleged illegal stone business.

Police have also reportedly recovered a machine allegedly used for printing fake Demand Collection Receipts, commonly known as DCRs. Investigators suspect that such counterfeit receipts were used to facilitate the illegal transportation and movement of stone. The recovery of the machine has added another significant dimension to the investigation, with officials now trying to determine how extensively the alleged fake DCR network operated.

Tulu Mondal has long faced allegations relating to illegal stone business activities in Birbhum. Investigating officials are examining whether certain individuals within the police and administrative machinery may have provided support or protection to the alleged operation. The recovery of the diary and the names recorded in it have now prompted investigators to look more closely at possible connections between the alleged business network and government officials.

District police have claimed that Tulu Mondal has continued to operate his business network from his area despite being abroad. Police have further alleged that the network involving fake DCRs may still be active. Investigators are therefore attempting to identify other people who may have been involved in the preparation, circulation or use of the allegedly counterfeit documents.

The issue of fake DCRs came to light on July 24 in the Mohammad Bazar police station area when officials of the Land and Land Reforms Department were checking the documents of a stone-laden dumper. During the inspection, officials reportedly found discrepancies in the DCR submitted by the driver. The number mentioned on the receipt could not be found in the official government register.

Following the discovery, a complaint was lodged by the Land and Land Reforms Department at Mohammad Bazar police station, leading to the registration of a case. Police have indicated that Tulu Mondal could also be named as an accused in connection with this case as the investigation progresses.

The latest developments have also revived questions over the alleged misuse of government resources and the possible loss of revenue to the state exchequer. The state government had earlier described the matter as extremely serious and claimed that the alleged activities had caused substantial financial losses to the government.

The government had also released details of cash, gold, documents and other assets allegedly seized from addresses linked to Tulu Mondal and his relative Minar. More recently, the Birbhum Superintendent of Police confirmed that cash and properties valued at around Rs 220 crore had been frozen so far during the investigation.

The scale of the financial action has made the case a major focus of the district police investigation. While earlier reports had highlighted substantial cash, gold, vehicles and other assets allegedly linked to Mondal, the latest police action indicates that investigators are now concentrating not only on the assets but also on the alleged financial and administrative network behind the stone trade.

The recovery of the diary is particularly significant because investigators are now examining whether the names recorded in it can establish a wider network of contacts. Officials are expected to verify the identities of the people named in the diary and determine whether any of them had direct or indirect involvement in the alleged activities.

Police have made it clear that the investigation remains underway. Officials are examining the recovered documents, financial records, electronic evidence and other materials to establish the complete chain of activities. Further arrests and additional revelations cannot be ruled out as investigators continue to question those connected with the case.

The case has therefore entered a crucial phase, with the police investigation expanding from alleged illegal stone transportation and fake DCRs to the financial network and possible administrative connections surrounding the operation. Authorities are now expected to scrutinise the evidence carefully before determining the role of each individual whose name or activities emerge during the probe.