Allegations of Massive Revenue Loss in West Bengal's Birbhum District

Serious Claims of Corruption and Revenue Loss

On Friday, Shuvendu Adhikari, a prominent leader from West Bengal, accused the previous government of causing an estimated revenue loss of around ₹15,000 crores over the past 15 years in Birbhum district. During a press conference at the state secretariat, he asserted that the ongoing operations of a gang led by stone trader Mohammad Najibuddin, also known as Tullu Mandal, could not have persisted without political protection and institutional backing. Tullu Mandal is currently on the run.

Allegations of Collusion and Inaction

Adhikari alleged that several government departments were either complicit or remained silent under directives from higher authorities. He pointed out that Mandal had amassed 242 vehicles and 300 bighas of land in recent years, claiming, "Without the support of former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, it would have been impossible for such a large gang to operate for so long." His accusations come at a time when police have launched significant actions against illegal mining and revenue loss in Birbhum, recovering ₹28.5 crores in cash and 15 kilograms of gold from Mandal's residence. Authorities suspect that a substantial portion of the cash is linked to illicit earnings.

Long-standing Issues of Organized Crime

Birbhum district has long been under scrutiny for allegations of organized crime related to illegal stone mining and trade. Criticizing his predecessor 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 that without directives from the highest levels, no one would pay attention to Mandal, and officials were coerced into turning a blind eye.

Accountability and Institutional Corruption

As the former head of the government, the full responsibility lies with the previous Chief Minister, he added. Adhikari remarked, "Institutional corruption occurs only when the head of the institution promotes it." He claimed, "While ₹100 crores went into the government treasury, ₹1,100 crores were embezzled," suggesting that these funds could have been utilized for building hospitals, schools, and creating jobs for millions of youth. Comparing the previous administration's performance to his own, he noted that the stone industry previously generated annual revenues between ₹60 to ₹80 crores, whereas under the BJP's governance, the state earned ₹83 crores between May and June this year alone, with monthly revenues nearing ₹100 crores.

Seizures and Ongoing Investigations

The Chief Minister stated that the ongoing crackdown on illegal mining and revenue loss has led to the seizure of significant assets linked to Mandal and his associates. According to him, ₹28.5 crores in cash and approximately ₹50 crores worth of gold were recovered from Mandal's residence. Subsequent raids also yielded silver and platinum jewelry, along with ₹5.3 million in cash. Adhikari revealed that transactions from Tullu Mandal's bank account, valued at ₹93 crores, have been frozen.

Extensive Asset Seizures

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 authorities have also identified and confiscated 242 vehicles, including trucks, dumpers, and luxury cars. Adhikari mentioned that nearly ₹150 crores worth of Mandal's illegal assets, including cash, gold, and jewelry, have already been seized and will be auctioned as per the law.

Revenue Growth Under New Governance

Citing information from the finance department, the Chief Minister noted that within 11 weeks of the new BJP government taking office, state revenue has increased by 12% compared to the same period last year, with expectations of a 20% rise by the end of the current fiscal year. He praised the relentless efforts of the Birbhum police and the Director General of Police in uncovering this gang.

Ongoing Investigations and Arrests

It is believed that Tullu Mandal has fled the country, while several of his close associates, including his accountant Pinaki Dey, assistant accountant Rakibul Islam, and petrol pump manager Kausar, have been detained. Adhikari refrained from commenting on the arrest of a suspected member of Jaish-e-Mohammed from Bardhaman, stating that the matter is "very sensitive." He told reporters, "This is a very sensitive issue with international links and relates to national security. A special task force is investigating this case, and information from his mobile phone and other electronic devices is being examined."