TMC MLA Dilip Mondal seeks anticipatory bail in Calcutta HC amid multiple FIRs
Synopsis
A five-time TMC legislator and former state minister is on the run since West Bengal election results day, his son arrested with illegal arms, his luxury residence raided — and now he has knocked on the Calcutta High Court's door for anticipatory bail. The case puts a spotlight on post-poll accountability in Bengal.
Key Takeaways
Dilip Mondal , five-time TMC MLA from Bishnupur (SC) and former West Bengal Minister of State for Transport, filed an anticipatory bail petition in the Calcutta High Court on Friday .
The petition, admitted by Justice Saugata Bhattacharya , is scheduled for hearing on 26 May .
Police have been searching for Mondal since 4 May , when West Bengal Assembly election results were announced.
His son Arghya Mondal was arrested with illegal firearms ; five persons in total have been detained in the case.
Raids on his two residences in Pailan , South 24 Parganas, on 14 May failed to locate him.
Locals alleged that Mondal's political clout previously shielded him from police action.
All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) legislator Dilip Mondal, a five-time MLA from Bishnupur (SC) Assembly constituency in South 24 Parganas district and former West Bengal Minister of State for Transport, on Friday approached the Calcutta High Court seeking anticipatory bail, apprehending arrest in connection with multiple First Information Reports (FIRs) filed against him. His petition also seeks the quashing of all FIRs registered in his name.
Key Developments
The petition was filed before the single-judge bench of Justice Saugata Bhattacharya, who admitted it. The matter is scheduled to come up for hearing on 26 May. Mondal has also pleaded for the scrapping of all the FIRs registered against him.
Police have been attempting to track Mondal since 4 May, the day West Bengal Assembly election results were declared. He stands accused of threatening Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers at gunpoint — allegations that surfaced in a purported video that went viral, showing him purportedly making such threats.
Arrests and Raids
Authorities have so far arrested five individuals in connection with the case, including Mondal's son Arghya Mondal, who was taken into custody with illegal firearms in his possession. Arghya is accused of creating unrest in the area.
On 14 May, police and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) personnel conducted raids at both of Mondal's residences in the Pailan area of South 24 Parganas district. He was not found at either location. One of the houses, according to reports, is built on a large plot featuring a spacious garden, a swimming pool, a swing, a fountain, and statues typically associated with a luxury resort.
What the Community Said
Local residents, speaking to reporters, alleged that Mondal — by virtue of being a five-time legislator — was long regarded as the final authority in the area and that his presence created fear among locals. They further alleged that during his tenure as an MLA under TMC's rule, police did not act against him despite complaints.
What Happens Next
With the anticipatory bail hearing set for 26 May, the Calcutta High Court's order will be closely watched. If the court declines relief, Mondal faces the prospect of immediate arrest. The case has become emblematic of post-election violence accountability in West Bengal, where multiple complaints of intimidation and assault have been filed across districts following the announcement of results.
Point of View
While his son was caught with illegal weapons, raises pointed questions about institutional inertia. The viral video of alleged threats at gunpoint, the luxury residence, and the community's account of long-standing fear paint a picture that goes beyond a single FIR. Whether the Calcutta High Court grants or denies relief on 26 May will signal how seriously the judiciary intends to treat post-election accountability in the state.
NationPress
14 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why has Dilip Mondal approached the Calcutta High Court?
Dilip Mondal has filed an anticipatory bail petition in the Calcutta High Court to pre-empt arrest in connection with multiple FIRs alleging that he threatened BJP workers at gunpoint following the West Bengal Assembly election results. The petition also seeks the quashing of all FIRs against him.
When is the next hearing in Dilip Mondal's case?
Justice Saugata Bhattacharya admitted the petition and the matter is scheduled to be heard on 26 May.
Who has been arrested so far in connection with the case?
Five persons have been arrested, including Mondal's son Arghya Mondal, who was taken into custody with illegal firearms in his possession and is accused of creating unrest in the area.
Why have police been unable to arrest Dilip Mondal?
Police have been searching for Mondal since 4 May, when election results were declared. Raids on both his residences in Pailan, South 24 Parganas, on 14 May did not locate him. His whereabouts remain unknown, according to reports.
What are the allegations against Dilip Mondal?
Mondal is accused of threatening BJP workers at gunpoint, an allegation supported by a purported video that went viral. A complaint was filed at the local police station, leading to multiple FIRs and an ongoing police search.
