In one of the biggest crackdowns on illegal sand mining in West Bengal, police have recovered 15 kg of gold and around ₹20 crore in cash from a hideout linked to an alleged sand mafia operator in Birbhum district. The operation marks a major breakthrough in the state government's ongoing campaign against illegal mining and revenue leakage.
According to officials, the raid was carried out at premises allegedly associated with Tullu Mondal alias Mohd Nazibuddin, who is accused of running an extensive illegal sand mining network in Birbhum. Acting on intelligence inputs, police teams searched the hideout and discovered a massive cache of unaccounted cash along with gold. Authorities said the cash-counting process was still underway, with the total amount estimated at nearly ₹20 crore, significantly higher than earlier preliminary estimates.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee highlighted the seizure while reiterating her government's resolve to dismantle illegal sand mining operations across the state. She said the recovery demonstrated the scale of the illegal trade and underscored the government's determination to stop the loss of public revenue caused by unauthorised extraction and transportation of sand and minerals.
The latest raid comes weeks after Birbhum district authorities intensified action against illegal sand mining. In recent enforcement drives, officials registered dozens of FIRs, arrested more than 30 people, impounded over 60 vehicles used for transporting illegally mined sand and detected more than 30 lakh cubic feet of unlawfully stockpiled sand at multiple locations. Authorities have also strengthened surveillance of riverbeds and sand ghats to prevent further illegal extraction.
Investigators are now examining the source of the seized cash and gold and whether the assets are linked to proceeds generated through illegal mining or other financial crimes. Financial records, property documents and digital evidence recovered during the search are also being scrutinised to identify other members of the alleged network and trace money trails. Further legal action is expected under relevant criminal and financial laws.
Officials said the operation is part of a broader statewide campaign to curb organised illegal mining and dismantle criminal syndicates operating in the sector. The administration has maintained that strict action will continue against those involved in illegal extraction, transportation and storage of sand, with the objective of protecting natural resources and ensuring that government revenue is not siphoned off by organised criminal networks. The investigation is ongoing, and more searches and arrests are likely in the coming days as police widen the probe into the alleged sand mafia's operations.
