The recovery of cash and gold worth over Rs 50 crore from the residence of a relative of alleged stone mafia figure Tulu Mondal in Birbhum has sparked a major political controversy in West Bengal. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has alleged that such large-scale corruption could not have occurred without high-level political patronage.

Addressing the issue on Friday, Adhikari directly targeted former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, asserting that irregularities of this magnitude could not have continued for years without political backing.

“This kind of wealth cannot be accumulated overnight. There is a long-standing organised syndicate behind it,” he said, adding that accountability must extend to the leadership of the previous administration. “This could not have happened without government support—specifically without the backing of the then Chief Minister,” he alleged.

‘Organised Syndicate’ spanning multiple departments

According to the Chief Minister, preliminary findings indicate that the alleged network accumulated vast assets over several years, including 243 vehicles, around 300 bighas of land, and at least seven large houses or farmhouses.

He claimed the operation involved multiple layers of governance—from local panchayats to the police, the Motor Vehicles Department, the Land Department, and sections of mineral-related agencies. “Such things do not happen without directives from the highest level,” Adhikari alleged, warning that officials found complicit would face strict action.

Adhikari also highlighted the role of the West Bengal Police in the operation, noting that unlike previous high-profile cases often handled by central agencies such as the Enforcement Directorate and the CBI, this crackdown was led by the state police.

Investigators have so far traced assets worth approximately Rs 150 crore, with further probes underway to uncover the full extent of the alleged racket.

Revenue gains and governance claims

Pointing to governance under the current administration, the Chief Minister claimed that state revenue collection has increased by 12 per cent within just 10–11 weeks compared to the same period last year. He expressed optimism that the increase could reach 20 per cent by the end of the financial year.

Adhikari further stated that the money allegedly siphoned off through such networks could have been used for public welfare initiatives. “This organised crime, these syndicates, and the diversion of revenue—funds that could have built hospitals, schools, and created jobs—could not have continued for so long without approval from the top,” he said.

The developments have escalated political tensions in the state, with the opposition and ruling dispensation trading allegations. Authorities continue to investigate the case to identify all individuals involved and determine the scale of the alleged corruption network.

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