Kolkata, Aug. 5 -- The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is set to initiate a money laundering probe against Birbhum stone trader Tulu Mondal by registering an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR).
The central agency has already sought case records and related documents from the police.
Meanwhile, the Special Task Force (STF) of the West Bengal Police on Wednesday raided the residence of Mondal's in-laws at Parui in Birbhum as part of the ongoing investigation.
Meanwhile, on Wednesday, Tulu approached the Calcutta High Court seeking protection from coercive action, including arrest, in connection with the ongoing investigation into the recovery of huge quantities of cash and gold allegedly linked to him.
The petition came up before Justice Saugata Bhattacharya, who admitted the plea. The matter is expected to be taken up for hearing after a date is fixed by the court.
The ED's move comes after massive raids uncovered alleged assets linked to Tulu's network.
Police seized Rs 28 crore in cash, 15 kg of gold worth over Rs 21 crore, froze bank accounts containing more than Rs 180 crore, and impounded 242 vehicles.
Authorities estimate the total value of assets recovered so far at over Rs 220 crore. Meanwhile, Tulu's relative, Naimuddin Mondal, was arrested and remanded to six days' police custody.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.