Police in Birbhum, West Bengal, have detained three people, including relatives of absconding stone quarry owner Tulu Mondal, after recovering a significant quantity of foreign currency and cash from their vehicle in Bolpur on Monday, 31 August. A raid was simultaneously conducted at Tulu's in-laws' house in Parui, as investigators widened their net around the fugitive businessman.

Key Developments in Bolpur

Acting on a tip-off, police stopped and searched a four-wheeler on Mahidapur Road in Bolpur, recovering cash and foreign currency. According to police sources, West Asian currencies were among the items seized, though the precise total amount is yet to be confirmed by authorities.

Among the three people detained was Shanto Sheikh, identified as the brother-in-law of Tulu's brother-in-law Mintu Sheikh. Investigators suspect the recovered funds are linked to Tulu's network, further deepening the probe into his alleged financial operations.

The Case Against Tulu Mondal

Tulu Mondal remains at large despite a sustained crackdown by West Bengal Police. A case has been filed against him on multiple 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 in connection with the investigation.

Notably, Tulu had approached the Calcutta High Court seeking protection from the probe, but his plea was dismissed by a bench led by Justice Saugata Bhattacharyya, which declined to interfere in the investigation. Following the dismissal, police expanded the scope of their operations significantly. A Red Corner notice has since been issued against him.

Scale of the Earlier Seizures

The current detentions follow a landmark recovery: police had earlier seized ₹28.5 crore in cash and approximately 15 kg of gold from the house of Tulu's relative Minar Mondal in Deucha village under Mohammadbazar police station in Birbhum. That seizure triggered a rapid escalation of raids across multiple addresses linked to Tulu.

What Investigators Are Probing

Investigators are currently working to establish the source and intended destination of the foreign currency and cash recovered in Monday's raid. A police team has been dispatched to Parui in Birbhum to conduct a search of Tulu's in-laws' residence. This is the latest in a series of operations that have progressively closed in on the accused's alleged financial network across the district.

With a Red Corner notice in force and the Calcutta High Court having refused to shield him, the pressure on Tulu Mondal's network is expected to intensify further in the days ahead.