On Friday, Shuvendu Adhikari, a prominent leader from West Bengal, claimed that the Birbhum district has suffered a staggering revenue loss of approximately ₹15,000 crores over the past 15 years. He asserted that such a situation could not have occurred without the backing of the previous government. During a press conference, he alleged that several government departments were either complicit or remained silent under directives from higher authorities.
This accusation comes at a time when police have launched a significant crackdown on alleged illegal mining activities in the district. They recently recovered ₹28.5 crores in cash and 15 kilograms of gold from the residence of Tullu Mandal, a fugitive stone trader.
Authorities suspect that a substantial portion of the cash may be linked to illicit earnings. The district has long been under scrutiny for organized crime associated with illegal stone mining and trade. Targeting former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Adhikari stated, “An organized gang that has been embezzling revenue for years cannot operate without the consent of the head of the institution.”
He emphasized, “It would be impossible for such a large gang to function for so long without the support of former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.” He further noted that institutional corruption occurs when the head of the institution promotes such activities.
Adhikari mentioned that during the operation, transactions from Tullu Mandal's bank account, valued at ₹93 crores, have been frozen. He informed reporters that investigators have identified 21 properties, including seven houses, a farmhouse, two petrol pumps, parking facilities, stone quarries, crushers, and 300 bighas of land, all of which are being seized.
The Chief Minister revealed that 242 vehicles, including luxury cars, have been identified. He also stated that nearly ₹150 crores worth of Tullu Mandal's illegal assets, including cash, gold, and jewelry, have already been confiscated. However, he refrained from commenting on the arrest of a suspected member of Jaish-e-Mohammed from Bardhaman, citing the case as 'very sensitive.'
He concluded by stating, “The Special Task Force is investigating this matter and will provide information to the media on August 1.”
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