West Bengal Police on Tuesday recovered approximately 3 kg of gold jewellery — estimated at over ₹4.39 crore — from the residence of Nadia Zilla Parishad member Tina Bhowmik Saha in Tehatta, Nadia district, during an overnight search operation linked to the arrest of former Bidhannagar mayor and All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Sabyasachi Dutta. The seizure marks the latest development in a widening investigation into alleged extortion and illegal assets tied to Dutta.

How the Search Was Conducted

Bidhannagar South Police took the arrested Sabyasachi Dutta along for the overnight search operation at Tehatta, acting on leads obtained during his interrogation. Investigators had previously recovered receipts for gold purchases from Dutta's flat in Rajarhat and a bank locker, which pointed them toward Tina Bhowmik Saha, described by police as someone with close links to the former mayor.

The search at Saha's residence was carried out late on Monday night. Bidhannagar Police confiscated the gold jewellery and has launched a formal investigation into its origins.

What Was Seized and Why It Matters

About 3 kg of gold jewellery, with a market value estimated at more than ₹4.39 crore, was recovered from Saha's home. According to police, investigators are now questioning Tina Bhowmik Saha — a sitting member of the Nadia Zilla Parishad — on how she came to possess such a substantial quantity of gold. Police have not disclosed further details of the ongoing probe.

Background: Sabyasachi Dutta's Arrest

Earlier this month, Sabyasachi Dutta — former mayor of Bidhannagar and a prominent TMC figure — was arrested by Bidhannagar South Police on multiple charges including extortion and possession of illegal assets. Dutta had contested the recently concluded West Bengal Assembly elections from the Barasat constituency but was unsuccessful.

According to police, investigators believe Dutta accumulated gold primarily through extortion and black money transactions. The recovery of purchase receipts from his flat and locker was the critical lead that directed the probe toward his alleged associates.

Broader Implications

This is the second major asset seizure in the investigation into Dutta's alleged illegal network. The involvement of a sitting Zilla Parishad member significantly expands the scope of the case. Notably, the probe underscores a pattern of enforcement actions against TMC-linked figures in West Bengal that has intensified in recent months. The investigation remains active, and further recoveries or arrests cannot be ruled out as police continue to trace the trail of alleged illicit assets.